Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Oxyethylene)S with (2-Benzoxazolon-3-yl)Acetyl End-Groups. Complex Formation with Polycarboxylic Acids

Abstract

Chemical modification of poly(oxyethylene)s (MW from 600 Da to 3000 Da), leading to the obtaining of poly(oxyethylene)s with (2-benzoxazolon-3-yl)acetyl endgroups, is described. The corresponding diesters were synthesized in high yields-70—84% and degree of esterification-82—92% under mild conditions in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine as catalyst. The diesters were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and IR spectra, and SEC analysis. The relatively narrow molecular weight distribution was retained in the process of chemical modification. The complex formation between polyacrylic or polymeth-acrylic acids and (2-benzoxazolon-3-yl)acetyl derivatives of poly -(oxyethylene)s was studied in dilute aqueous solutions by potentio-metric titration and viscometry. The presence of (2-benzoxazolon-3-yl)acetyl end groups attached to the poly(oxyethylene)s chains results in a significant decrease of the critical poly(oxyethylene) chain length necessary for the formation of stable polymer-polymer complexes.