A new synthetic route to poly[3-hydroxypropionic acid] (P[3-HP]): Ring-opening polymerization of 3-HP macrocyclic esters

A new method for the preparation of high molecular weight of Poly[3-hydroxypropionic acid] P[3-HP] by employing ring opening polymerization (ROP) of macrocyclic esters derived directly from 3-HP was discussed. Good control over the molecular weights of the P[3-HP] polymers was observed both from the pure trimer (n=3) as well as from a mixture of larger cyclics (n= 4 and 5). The ROP of the trimer without solvent at 80 °C was successfully performed. The results show that the partial formation of acrylate groups during the ROP in solution.