Synthesis and characterization of segmented hydrosoluble poly(tartaramide)s

Segmented poly(tartaramide)s were prepared by polycondensation of monodispersed alpha,omega-diaminooligo(ethyleneglycol)s, with oligomerization degree included between 2 and 6, with two optically active dialkyl tartrates. The diamines were obtained from the relevant commercial glycols using a modified Gabriel synthesis. The polycondensations were performed in methanol at 55 degrees C with triethylamine as catalyst. By this route, optically active poly(tartaramide)s, with oligomerization degree in the 4-10 range, were obtained in fairly high yields. Solubility and thermal properties of the-polycondensation products were found to be related to the length of the oligo(oxyethylene) segment and to the presence of free hydroxyl groups.