Polyesters Based on Glyceric Acid Derivatives as Potential Biodegradable Materials

Abstract

The preparation of racemic and optically active glyceric acid de rivatives as suitable precursors for the formulation of a new class of bioerodible and/or biodegradable polymers is described. Details are provided for the prepa ration of chiral 3-0-alkyl substituted methyl glycerates and on their potential to form the corresponding polyesters. In any case no high molecular weight polymer has been obtained and the structure of the oligomers formed is depen dent upon the nature of the starting precursors and polymerization conditions.