Xylose-based diols are safe bisphenol analogues that induce degradability in epoxy resins

Due to its combination of performance and cost, bisphenol-A remains a dominant component in epoxy resins, despite its classification as an endocrine disruptor and its role in producing materials highly resistant to degradation1,2. Here, we show that diols derived from acetalized xyloses, despite their distinct structure, can closely mimic bisphenol’s reactivity, rigidity and connectivity in epoxies, while offering comparable formulation properties, enabling them to act as drop-in replacements for BPA. Xylose-based diols are easily synthesized by carbohydrate functionalization and hydrogenation under mild conditions, achieving yields of 85% from xylose. Techno-economic analysis shows that the process’s high atom economy and simplicity can lead to pricing competitive with bisphenol-A. Despite being constructed on a xylose core that appears to eliminate toxicity signals, the diol-derived diglycidyl ether exhibited almost identical curing kinetics and comparable thermomechanical properties to conventional systems. Carbon fiber composites and adhesives based on the resin matched the performance of bisphenol analogues while allowing the recycling of the carbon fiber or adherends, and up to 80% of xylose simply by using sulfuric acid. Our findings reveal how abundant sugars can be turned into circular bisphenol replacements without relying on aromatic functionalities, which are difficult to source sustainably and can induce toxicity.