Novomer is commercializing an aluminum-based catalyst system which combines carbon monoxide, an inexpensive and sustainable feedstock, with ethylene oxide to create a versatile chemical intermediate called propiolactone. This chemical intermediate can be readily converted to propanediol, acrylic acid, acrylate esters, and Poly(propiolactone) using mostly known technologies. Applications for these chemicals include diapers, paints, coatings, high performance plastics, and commodity materials.