For the development of renewable copolymers from biomass-derived starting materials, monomers have been selected based on their availability in biomass and polymerization potential. In this study, degradable polymers were synthesized via the polyesterfication of glycerol with fumaric acid and 1,3-propanediol with malonic acid. Catalyst selection was based on environmentally benignity, commercial availability, and biocompatibility potential. The Lewis acid catalysts investigated in this study include zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, iron(III) chloride, and tin(II) chloride. Effects of monomer ratio, temperature, and catalyst on copolymer yield, chemical composition, and bulk properties were determined for these polycondensation reactions and will be presented. Characterization of polymer yields chemical composition was achieved by gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry were used to determine average molecular weight and polydispersity, and phase transitions, respectively. Copolymers with varying chemical composition, molecular weights, and bulk properties have been produced and the degradation examined. Using environmentally benign catalysts, synthesis and characterization of the degradable, renewable copolymers poly(glycerol-fumarate) and poly(trimethylene-malonate) has been successfully achieved.