Synthesis of functionalized biodegradable polyesters

This tutorial review summarizes recent developments in the syntheses of functionalized aliphatic polyesters. These polymers are attracting attention as sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals and for applications in medicine. Two main syntheses are described: step polymerization using mild chemo/enzymatic catalysis and ring opening polymerization, which is usually initiated by metal complexes. The methods are compared and their utility illustrated with reference to interesting new materials.     

Synthesis of polyesters from active diesters

Ester-exchange and polycondensation reactions of active diesters such as diphenyl, dithiophenyl, or dipyridinyl esters of adipic or terephthalic acids with glycols were carried out in order to investigate the reactivity of these active diesters toward nucleophilic replacement. Catalysts such as potassium carbonate were required for the esterexchange of these active diesters. Comparison of the reactivity of these active diesters with that of ordinary diesters in the presence of potassium carbonate as a catalyst indicates the rates or the equilibrium constants of the exchange reactions of these active diesters were much larger than those of ordinary diesters, indicating that polyesterification reactions favorably occur. Polyesters were obtained in good yield either by solution or bulk methods in mild conditions.     

Synthesis and characterization of new cardo polyesters

New phthalide-containing bisphenols, phenolphthalein-N-(3-methylanilide) (3-PMA), and phenolphthalein-N-(4-methylanilide) (4-PMA), were synthesized from phenolphthalein and m- and p-toluidines. These bisphenols were polycondensed with terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) using an interfacial or solution polymerization technique to yield new polyesters. Copolymers were also obtained by utilizing different molar proportion of phenolphthalein (PPH) and 3-PMA or 4-PMA with TPC. The polymers prepared by solution polymerization were obtained in 93–99% yields and showed reduced viscosities in the range 0.37–0.83 dL/g. They were readily soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons and aprotic polar solvents. The polyesters showed glass transition temperatures in the range 261–300°C as measured by DSC. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polyesters indicated no weight loss below 408°C under N₂ atmosphere. Structure–property correlations among these cardo polyesters have been discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 3227–3234, 1997     

Synthesis and properties of thermally reversible polyesters

Thermally reversible polyesters were obtained by the ester formation reaction of thermoplastic polyesters with hydroxyl end groups and the diacid anhydride of tetra carboxylic acid as a thermally reversible chain extender. Typical example of the thermally reversible polyesters was obtained by the reaction of PBT (polyburylene terephthalate) and PMA (pyromellitic dianhydride). This material having twice as large molecular weight as the original PBT exhibited almost the same melt viscosity as the original. Also that thermally reversible chain extension reaction occurred without unfavorable side reaction such as cross-linking. This material shows both good processability and superior mechanical properties due to its thermally reversible characters.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic behaviour of some aromatic polyesters

Six new aromatic polyesters were synthesized by the phase-transfer catalytic polycondensation. The polymers obtained were characterized by infra-red, X-ray diffraction, D.S.C., depolarized light intensity and polarizing microscope. Poly(p,p'-hydroquinone-1,4-phenylene dioxyacetate) and poly(p,p'-hydroquinone-1,4,7-trioxaheptamethylene dibenzoate) were found to be thermotropic liquid crystals but related polyesters are not. The results are discussed on the basis of the thermodynamic data obtained.     

Synthesis and enzymatic degradation of end-functionalized biodegradable polyesters

End-functionalization of biodegradable polymers/oligomers based on L-lactide and glycolide by cholesteryl moiety was investigated. We established the feasibility of preparing the functionalized polymers/oligomers, Chol-(LG)_m+n, through ring-opening copolymerization initiated by cholesterol bearing a hydroxyl group, without adding any catalyst. The functionalized polymers/oligomers of different molecular weights were obtained by controlling the feed ratio of the initiator cholesterol to the monomers. The chemical structure of end-functionalized polymers/oligomers was confirmed by FTIR and ¹H NMR. Incorporation of cholesteryl moiety into the polymer chains induces liquid crystallinity in the resultant oligomers when the molecular chains are not very long. The enzymatic degradation studies, for all the samples, were carried out using enzyme, proteinase K. Interestingly, the enzymatic degradation of cholesteryl end-functionalized polymers/oligomers resulted in a lamella-like porous structure on the sample surface, which is altogether different from the commonly reported spherical-pore structure formed during the degradation of conventional polyesters.     

Synthesis of photocrosslinkable polyesters by the Knoevenagel reaction

A new group of photocrosslinkable polyesters formed by the Knoevenagel reaction is described. The approach permits preparation of photoesensitive polymers, where physical properties can be potentially varied through choice of the polyol and the dicarboxylic acid. The following compounds were prepared and studied: (1) products from a Knoevenagel reaction of poly(trimethylopropane azelate cyanoacetate) with benzaldehyde, furaldehyde, and 2-ethylbutyraldehyde and (2) products from a Knoevenagel reaction of poly(1,3-propyl malonate) with benzaldehyde, p-methoxybenzaldehyde, and 2-ethylbutyraldehyde. Conventional unsaturated polyesters such as poly(1,3-propyl fumarate) and poly(1,3-propyl maleate) were prepared and used for comparison.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic behaviour of some aromatic polyesters

Abstract

Six new aromatic polyesters were synthesized by the phase-transfer catalytic polycondensation. The polymers obtained were characterized by infra-red, X-ray diffraction, D.S.C., depolarized light intensity and polarizing microscope. Poly(p,p'-hydroquinone-1,4-phenylene dioxyacetate) and poly(p,p'-hydroquinone-1,4,7-trioxaheptamethylene dibenzoate) were found to be thermotropic liquid crystals but related polyesters are not. The results are discussed on the basis of the thermodynamic data obtained.     

Synthesis and properties of polyesters containing naphthalenetetracarboxylic imide

Poly(ethylene naphthalates) containing small contents of N, N'-bis(ω-hydroxypropyl)naphthalene-1, 4, 5, 8-tetracarboxylic imide(HPNTI) unit as the photostabilizing component, which are stable to ultraviolet lights, were synthesized from dimethyl naphthalate, ethylene glycol, and HPNTI. The polyesters obtained were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy and measurements of molecular weights and thermal properties.     

Synthesis of titanium polythioethers

The synthesis of polythioethers of the form was effected, where C_p denotes cyclopentadienyl. Four reaction systems were studied and evaluated. Two proved to be undesirable (the “reverse” interfacial and organic solution methods), while two proved acceptable (the “normal” interfacial and aqueous solution methods). A number of added bases were evaluated. Et₃N and NaOH were found to be acceptable. Yield increases with reaction time for aqueous solution syntheses, while yield remains constant with reaction time for synthesis via the normal interfacial method.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyesters containing heterocyclic thiaxanthone units

Several polyesters containing thiaxanthone rings were prepared from 2,7-dichloroformylthiaxanthone-5,5′-dioxide ( IVa ), 2,8-dichloroformylthiaxanthone-5,5′-dioxide ( IVb ), and bisphenols by solution polycondensation. The 2,8-diethoxycarbonylthiaxanthone-5,5′-dioxide ( V ) was prepared and characterized by spectral methods to confirm the formation of 2,8-thiaxanthonedicarboxylic acid-5,5′-dioxide ( IVb ). Prior to polymer synthesis two model compounds,2,7-diphenoxycarbonylthiaxanthone-5,5′-dioxide (MDE-1) and 2,8-diphenoxycarbonylthiaxanthone-5,5′-dioxide (MDE-2), were synthesized and characterized by spectral methods. The polyesters were obtained in 62–78% yield and had inherent viscosities in the range 0.42–0.90 dL/g. The effect of thiaxanthone rings on solubility, crystallinity, and thermal stability of the polyesters are also discussed. The polyesters have decomposition temperatures in the range 372–438°C.     

Synthesis and characterization of aromatic polyesters with dicyanovinyl substituents

The synthesis, characterization, and structure—property relations of aromatic polyesters with dicyanovinyl substituents is presented. Two comparable series of polyesters based on 3,4-dihydroxybenzylidenemalononitrile and 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzylidenemalononitrile were prepared. As aromatic diacid components, terephthalic acid, phenylterephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and 2-phenylisophthalic acid were used. The polyesters were prepared by solution polycondensation. GPC investigations revealed the existence of substantial amounts of defined cyclic products. These cycles could be isolated by preparative GPC. The polyesters are soluble in common low boiling organic solvents, particularly the phenyl-substituted ones. The polyesters are amorphous and have glass transition temperatures between 140 and 170°C. The absorption maxima are in the 306–322 nm range. The cut-off wavelength is between 400 and 428 nm. The polyesters with methoxy substitutent have generally the absorptions at longer wavelength. The refractive index of thin films of these polyesters were between 1.61 and 1.63 at 632.8 nm. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of crosslinkable fluorinated polyesters for optical waveguide devices

A series of novel crosslinkable, highly fluorinated polyesters were synthesized by copolycondensation reactions of terephthaloyl chloride with 4, 4′‐(hexafluoroisopropy‐lidene)‐diphenol and 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7‐dodecafluoro‐octane‐1,8‐diol, followed by reaction with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The resulting polyesters with the molecular weights (M_n: 12,100–20,000 g mol^?1) and polydispersities (1.49–2.25) were useful for the fabrication of polymer optical devices because of their good solubility in common organic solvent and the processable flexibility. The ratios of the components of the polyesters were characterized by FTIR and NMR. The polyesters had high glass transition temperature (T_g,: up to 170 °C) and good thermal stabilities (T_d: up to 470 °C). The refractive index of the polyester film was tuned and controlled in the range of 1.447–1.576 at 1550 nm by monitoring the component fractions during the preparation procedures. Low‐loss optical waveguides were fabricated from the resulting polyesters and the propagation loss of the channel waveguides was measured to be around 0.56 dB/cm at 1550 nm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5923–5931, 2007     

Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched polyesters and polyurethane coatings

Polyurethane (PU) coatings are widely used for variety of high‐performance applications in today's coating technology. The emerging hyperbranched polymers having three‐dimensional morphology have opened a new avenue to tailor the architecture of PU coatings. The methodology followed here is based on preparation of PU coatings from hyperbranched polyester. Initially, different hyperbranched polyester polyols (HPs) were synthesized by varying the hydroxyl‐terminated precursors that is, pentaerythritol, trimethylol propane or glycerol and keeping the diacid that is, adipic acid quantity constant at various mole ratios of 1:0.6, 1:0.8, 1:0.9, and 1:1, respectively. The obtained HPs were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF)‐mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The degree of branching and the quantity of different structural units present in the various HPs were calculated by integrating the quaternary carbon and carbonyl zone in ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The extent of condensation in different HPs was also calculated from ¹H NMR spectra. Later on, NCO‐terminated PU prepolymers (NCO‐PU) were synthesized by reacting HPs with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) at NCO/OH ratio of 1.6:1. In the third step, the excess NCO content in the NCO‐capped PU prepolymers were reacted with atmospheric moisture and hyperbranched polyurethane (HPU) coatings were formed. The coating films were analyzed by FTIR and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis instruments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2673–2688, 2007     

Synthesis of photocrosslinkable hyperbranched polyesters and their film properties

Hyperbranched polyesters with terminal methacryloyl groups (HBPEAc) were synthesized by the one‐pot polyaddition of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and trimesic acid in the presence of methacrylic acid with a number‐average molecular weights of 5100–7700 in 70–83% yields. The photoradical polymerization of HBPEAc was examined in the presence of 2‐methyl‐1‐[4‐(methylthio)phenyl]‐2‐morpholinopropan‐2‐one (Irgacure 907®) as a photoinitiator in the film state upon UV irradiation to afford the corresponding cured films quantitatively. The crosslinking densities of the cured films of HBPEAc were higher than those of the corresponding linear ones, and birefringence cannot be detected for the cured films of HBPEAc because of their random structures. Furthermore, an alkaline‐developable hyperbranched polyester containing pendant carboxyl groups (HBPEAc‐COOH) was prepared by the addition reaction of HBPEAc with cis‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, and its patterning properties were examined to give the resolution of a 55‐μm‐line and 275‐μm‐space pattern by UV irradiation with 700 mJ/cm². © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4642–4653, 2005     

Synthesis and phase behaviour of liquid-crystalline side group polyesters

Several series of liquid-crystalline side group polymers with a polyester backbone structure have been synthesized using mesogenic diethylmalonate and 1,3-propanediol derivatives. The structures of the polymer backbone and the mesogenic units have been varied systematically. As shown by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction, the side group polyesters exhibit nematic and/or smectic mesophases. Polyesters synthesized from mesogenic diethylmalonate derivatives can tolerate long non-mesogenic segments in the polymer main chain without losing their liquid crystal properties. X-ray studies suggest that some of the smectic polymers exhibit interdigitated bilayer S_A phases.     

Synthesis of reactive aromatic polyesters having pendant chlorohydrin moieties

A monomer containing a chlorohydrin moiety, propyl chlorohydrin diphenolate (PCHDP), was synthesized. Reactive polyesters having these pendant chlorohydrin moieties were prepared by the interfacial polycondensation of isophthaloyl chloride with PCHDP or with PCHDP and diphenolic acid using phase transfer catalyst. The molar ratio of reactants and the phase ratio of water to organic solvent strongly affect the molecular weight of resulting polymers and polymers with high molecular weight are obtained at the molar ratio of 1.0–1.15 and the phase ratio of 2.0–3.5. Swelling of the growing polymers is dependent on the molar ratio of the reactants and the phase ratio because of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the pendant chlorhydrin moiety. The resulting polymers are not soluble in any solvent except water in which hydrolysis occurs. Thus so, the structure of polymers was confirmed by ¹³C CP/MAS NMR. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of polyesters containing acetylenic bonds in the chain

Summary By joint oxidative dehydropolycondensation of p-diethynylbenzene and dipropargyl esters, polymers have been obtained that contain triple bonds alternating with ester groups.