Synthesis of Poly(Adipic Anhydride) by Use of Ketene

Abstract
Polyadipic anhydrides were prepared (a) from the mixed anhydride of adipic acid and acetic acid, (b) from the mixed anhydride of adipic acid and ketene in tetrahydrofurane solution (0°C), (c) by melt polycondensation of adipic acid with ketene, and (d) from the seven-membered ring adipic anhydride. The polymers were characterized by means of NMR, IR, DSC, and GPC. The polymer with the highest melting temperature was obtained by melt polycondensation of adipic acid with ketene (T peak 76°C). The heat of fusion was approximately 40 J/g in all four methods. The number-average and weight-average molecular weights of the polyanhydrides were 2000 and 3000, respectively.