The ring opening polymerization of diisopropyl-1,3-dioxane-2,5-dione or L-isopropylglycolide, the dimer derived from 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, yields highly crystalline polymers with melting points as high as 230 �C.  Polymerizations show some characteristics of living polymerizations, such as that grew linearly with conversion and predictable molecular weights based on the monomer/catalyst ratio.  Polymer films cast from toluene are tough, flexible, and semi-transparent; examination of the films reveals extensive formation of spherulites.  Thermal analysis of the polymers shows a weak Tg near 50 �C and a single melting point at 230 �C.  X-ray analysis suggests a degree of crystallinity of �50%, and 13C NMR spectra of the carbonyl region of poly(L-isopropylglycolide) show that the polymer is highly stereoregular.   These physical properties are similar to those of thermoplastic poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Poly(isopropylglycolide): A high melting crystalline derivative of polylactide

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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