Synthesis and properties of functional aliphatic polycarbonates

Two, functional, cyclic carbonate monomers, 5-methyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one and 5-methyl-5-ethoxy carbonyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, were synthesized starting from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid. The ring-opening polymerization of the cyclic carbonate monomers in bulk with stannous 2-ethylhexanoate as a catalyst under different conditions was examined. The results showed that the yield and molecular weight of polycarbonates were significantly influenced by the reaction conditions. The polycarbonates obtained were characterized by IR, H-1 NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry. Their molecular weight was measured by gel permeation chromatography. The in vitro biodegradation and controlled drug-release properties of the polycarbonates were also investigated. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.