Network formation involving epoxide and carboxyl groups

Summary The base catalyzed reaction between epoxide and carboxyl groups was studied using a simple model system phenylglycidyl ether-caproic acid in the presence of triethylamine. The reaction was investigated by mass spectrometry and GPC which provide an overall qualitative and quantitative survey of all the forming reaction products. The addition esterification is followed by etherification and condensation esterification and the main reaction product, monoester, is disproportionated yielding diester and diol. In a polyfunctional system, the latter reaction may cause splitting of the polymer chain and formation of new crosslinks.