The goal of this research is to develop biodegradable copolymers from biomass-derived starting materials. The monomers, glycerol, 1,3-propane diol, malonic acid and fumaric acid, were selected based on polymerization potential and availability in biomass. Catalyst selection was based on the criteria of being environmentally benign and potentially biocompatible. The catalysts investigated in this study include zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, iron(III) chloride, and tin(II) chloride. The effects of catalyst and temperature on copolymer yield and bulk properties were studied for these polycondensation reactions. Polymer synthesis was verified and the chemical composition was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Average molecular weights and molecular weight distributions were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine phase transitions in these new copolymers. Catalyst function, reaction conditions, and characterization of the resultant polymers will be presented. By controlling the monomer ratio, we have produced copolymers with varying chemical composition, molecular weights, and bulk properties. Using environmentally benign catalysts, synthesis of the renewable copolymers poly(glycerol-fumarate) and poly(trimethylene-malonate) has been successfully achieved. Future work includes evaluation of these renewable polymers for biodegradability and potential use in commercial film and fiber production.