Post polymerization of saturated and unsaturated poly(3-hydroxy alkanoate)s

Chemical modification is useful to diversify poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s, for medical and industrial applications. In this manner, transesterification reactions of poly(3-hydroxy butyrate) were carried out under reflux condition of 1,2-dichlorobenzene in the presence of 1,4-butane diol, poly(ethylene glycol) bis(2-aminopropyl ether) with molecular weights of 1000 and 2000, poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate or glycerol at 180 degrees C. Addition reactions of bromine and -SH groups of 3-mercaptopropionic acid to the double bond of poly(3-hydroxy-10-undecenoate) were also carried out. Functionalized poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s were characterized using H-1 NMR, FTIR, GPC and thermal analysis techniques.