Chemistry and technology of 2-alkenyl azlactones

The chronology of 2-alkenyl azlactone research at 3M is discussed in terms of its origination; consideration of economics, overall safety, and opportunities for patent protection, elaboration of the chemistry; and. finally, applying lessons learned toward the development of commercial technologies. The chemistry is dominated by the presence of three electrophilic reaction centers and a readily polymerizable 2-alkenyl group. Technological development has been focused in four general areas: acrylamide monomers, acrylamide materials, azlactonc materials, and polymer modification. Application areas disinclude lithographic printing plates, contact lens materials, adhesives dispersants for printing inks, and supports for immobilizing enzymes. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.