Process for converting polyketones containing pendant functional groups to polyesters

摘要

A facile process for converting polyketones containing pendant functional groups to polyesters is provided. The process involves reacting the polyketone with an organic peroxyacid oxidizing agent in an inert liquid medium at a temperature from -20 DEG C. to 150 DEG C. to convert substantially all or only a portion of the keto functionality to ester moieties. The polyketones are obtained by copolymerizing carbon monoxide and a vinyl or vinylidene monomer having at least one functional group containing one or more oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur or halogen atoms.