Synthesis of Degradable Poly[(Ethylene Glycol)-co-(Glycolic Acid)] via the Post-Polymerization Oxyfunctionalization of Poly(Ethylene Glycol)

Abstract

To enhance the limited degradability of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a straightforward method of synthesizing poly[(ethylene glycol)-co-(glycolic acid)] (P(EG-co-GA)) via a ruthenium-catalyzed, post-polymerization oxyfunctionalization of various PEGs is developed. Using this method, a set of copolymers with GA compositions of up to 8 mol% are prepared with minimal reduction in molecular weight (<10%) when compared to their commercially available starting materials. The P(EG-co-GA) copolymers are shown to undergo hydrolysis under mild conditions. (Figure presented.).