PARTIAL ESTERS OF ALTERNATING COPOLYMERS OF MALEIC-ANHYDRIDE AND ALKYL VINYL ETHERS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

The synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of alternating copolymers of maleic anhydride (MA) with new vinyl ethers of mono-O-methyl oligoethylene glycol (MePegnVE, degree of oligomerization n = 1-4) are described. The linear MA/PegnVE copolymers were partially esterified with alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, methoxyethanol, and n-dodecanol. Depending upon the nature of the two reactive components, the degree of esterification was between 10 and 70%. Semiquantitative indications on the relative reactivity of both polymeric materials and alcohols are provided. The potential of this new class of functional polymers is to provide amphiphilic polymeric ionomers as candidates for drug controlled release, based on their biocompatibility.