Polymers Containing Lactone Groups

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Abstract
Polymers containing intact lactone groups are a new class of macromolecules with reactive groups, which are relatively easy to obtain by polymerization, polycondensation and polyaddition, as well as by reactions on existing macromolecules. Polymers with β‐lactone Groups in particular can enter into numerous addition reactions, which can be used, for example, to obtain macromolecules containing hydroxy acid or amino acid groupings. The reactions proceed under mild conditions, and can even be carried out in aqueous media, frequently giving water‐soluble polymers. The polymers can be cross‐linked at low temperatures, even from the aqueous phase, by the addition of bifunctional or oligofunctional reagents. Polymers containing β‐lactone groups can also be used as a basis for graft co‐polymers; polyester or polyether branches can be grafted on, depending on whether monomeric lactones or monomeric epoxides are used.