The core catalyst system for this platform technology was discovered at Cornell University, and is exclusively licensed to Novomer. The catalyst has selectivity in excess of 99%, operates at moderate conditions, and goes to 100% completion in a short time. The details of the reaction mechanism and kinetics are described in a JACS paper by co-founder Geoffrey Coates, published in 2006.

The data presented here was taken from one of Novomer's batch reactors. A continuous pilot process will need to be constructed to validate these results on a commercial scale.