Synthesis,characterization and properties of polycarbonate containing carboxyl side groups

Diphenolic Acid, DPA bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid] can be made from cellulose-rich waste. The t-butyl ester was converted to homo- and copolycar- bonates (with bis-phenol-A, BPA). Deblocking the ester yielded polycarbonates with pendent carboxyl groups that exhibit all the properties of polyelectrolytes and retain solubility in aqueous base without degradation for long periods.