Direct Synthesis of (Meth‐)acrylate Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) Macromonomers

Abstract

The microwave assisted ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone (ϵ‐CL) in the presence of methacrylic acid (MA) or acrylic acid (A) yields radical polymerizable polyester macromonomers. In this paper we show a fast access to defined unsaturated macromonomers from unpurified educts. The process has the advantage of requiring only one step and provides high functionality. The investigation of the thermal properties shows that the melting point of the macromonomers is adjustable in a range between 46 and 51°C.

Keywords:

• ϵ‐caprolactone
• ring‐opening polymerization
• polyester
• macromonomers
• microwave