SYNTHESIS OF POLY(PROPYLENE FUMARATE) BY ACYLATION OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL IN THE PRESENCE OF A PROTON SCAVENGER

摘要

High molecular weight linear poly(propylene fumarate) having a relatively lo w polydispersity index by utilizing a relatively pure intermediate and a metho d for making same. Fumaryl chloride and propylene glycol are reacted in the presence of potassium carbonate. The potassium carbonate present in the reaction solution prevents the acid by-product from catalyzing reactions at the fumarate double bond. The bis(propyl fumarate) produced according to thi s technique can be transesterified using conventional processing steps to yiel d P(PF). The P(PF) produced from bis(propyl fumarate) produced according to th e present method has a higher molecular weight and is purer than P(PF) produce d using previously known techniques.