Michigan State University

University of Minnesota

Feng Jing

Milton R Smith

Gregory L Baker

Marc Andrew Hillmyer

The invention described herein provides a novel lactide monomer derivative and process for preparing the lactide monomer derivative. The monomer derivative of the invention is bifunctional in nature, and can be employed a variety of efficient synthesis processes to prepare various polymers. Further, the bifunctional monomer derivative can be used to prepare various intermediate-stage compounds and polymers, which in turn can be used to synthesize other compounds, polymers, copolymers and composites. The lactide monomer derivative has a bifunctional norbornene spiro lactide structure, spiro[6-methyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione-3,2'-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept[5]ene], and structure as follows: and stereoisomers thereof. The lactide monomer derivative is bifunctional in that either 1) the norbornene ring, 2) lactide ring, or 3) both, can be opened and used in polymer synthesis for the backbone or the reactive branch for other polymeric syntheses.

Bifunctional lactide monomer derivative and polymers and materials prepared using the same

A homopolymer of 1,4-benzodioxepin-3-cyclohexyl-2,5-dione with a Tof 120&#xb0; C. Copolymers are also described. The polymers are useful for surgical and other applications where biodegradability is important.

Degradable 1,4-benzodioxepin-3-hexyl-2,5-dione monomer derived polymer with a high glass transition temperature

Cyclic alkyl, particularly cyclohexyl, substituted glycolides and polylactides are described. The polylactides have a high glass transition temperature and improved clarity.

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Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Feng Jing