Bicyclic oxalactone polymerization

In connection with studies on the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic acetals, we have undertaken investigations on the polymerization of bicyclic acetals, bicyclic oxalactone, and bicyclic oxalactam, which yield polysaccharide analogs, macrocyclic oligoesters, and a hydrophilic polyamide, respectively, some of which can be expected to be useful as novel speciality polymers. The monomers employed in the studies were prepared via synthetic routes presented in Scheme 1, starting from 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-carbaldehyde (acrolein dimer) I. 

In the course of a series of studies on the ring-opening polymerization of bicyclic compounds, the authors found that a bicyclic oxalactone, 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-7-one, underwent cationic pol5nnerization to give cyclic dimer. 

Sumitomo, H. and Okada, M. Ring-Opering Polymerization of Bicyclic Acetals, Oxalactone, and Oxalactam. Vol. 28, pp. 47—82. 

Ring-Opening Polymerization of Bicyclic Acetals, Oxalactone, and Oxalactam... 

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