Novel polymers based on myo-inositol orthoformate

• Main Author: Giles, M.
• Published: University of Cambridge 1998
• Subjects: 547.7
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.599410

The work in this dissertation is directed towards the synthesis of novel polymers based on <I>myo</I>-inositol orthoformate 23. (Fig. 1068A). Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the biological significance, synthesis, and metal ion chelating abilities of inositol derivatives. The proposed synthesis of inositol-based polymers and their proposed metal ion chelating abilities are then discussed with reference to existing metal chelating polymers and vinyl sugars. The utilisation of the rigid inositol scaffold to give orientation of monomer units is then considered with reference to current cyclopolymerisation techniques. Chapter 2 explores routes to the synthesis of linear inositol polymers and inositol-based resins which do not utilise the orientation effect of the inositol framework. (Fig. 1668B). Chapter 3 explores the orientation effect of the rigid inositol framework on the formation of novel cyclopolymers 161a and 161b from di(vinylbenzyl) inositol monomers 142 and 157. The synthesis of the monomers and polymers and the methods used to characterise the cyclopolymers are discussed. At the end of the chapter the copolymerisation of these monomers with styrene, methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate and maleic anhydride are discussed. In Chapter 4 the properties of the inositol polymers are considered. The first section discusses the thermal properties and the second section summarises the formation and properties of thin coatings of inositol-based polymers on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. Chapter 5 summarises the work that has been carried out and looks toward the future.