Hydrophilic aliphatic polyesters: Design, synthesis, and ring opening polymerization of functional cyclic esters

The synthesis and polymerization of a new cyclic esters containing protected functional groups (hydroxyl- bis(hydroxyl)-, amino and carboxyl substitution) has been detailed. Two general synthetic strategies were designed and implemented as general routes to these substituted cyclic esters. The polymerization of the new monomers was accomplished in bulk initiated from the benzyl ester of bis-MPA in the presence of stannous 2-ethylhexanoate (Sn(Oct)2).