Synthesis and in vitro degradation of poly(alkylene carbonate anhydride)

A novel degradable poly(alkylene carbonate anhydride) (PACA) was synthesized by the melt polycondensation reaction of the corresponding mixed anhydrides of the dicarboxylic acid derived from oligo(tetramethylene carbonate)diol (OTMCD) and oligo(hexamethylene carbonate)diol (OHMCD). The polymer's structure was confirmed by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. DSC analysis showed PACA had a low T_g (< –30°C). In vitro degradation tests indicated that the degradation rate of poly(alkylene carbonate) was more controlled with the incorporation of anhydride groups.