Synthesis of new polyesters with methacrylate pendant groups

Summary A catalytic process for synthesis of new polyesters with methacrylate pendant groups is presented. Thus, zinc succinate catalyzed reaction of succinic anhydride with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in dimethoxyethane gives linear oligoesters with low molecular weights (1380-2400 Da). The polyester formation takes place via simultaneous ring opening of the cyclic anhydride and oxirane units. GMA component can be partially replaced with cyclohexeneoxide to obtain polyesters with methacrylate pendant groups in various percentages. Nearly colorless waxy polymers are obtained in excellent yields (69–97%) within 48–60 h. at 90 °C. In the study structure of the polymers have been elucidated by conventional spectroscopic techniques and photo-crosslinking of ability of their thin films have been tested by monitoring intensity of methacrylate double bonds, using IR-spectrometry methodology.