Chemistry and technology of 2‐alkenyl azlactones

The chronology of 2‐alkenyl azlactone research at 3M is discussed in terms of its origination; consideration of economics, overall safety, and opportunities for patent protection; elaboration of the chemistry; and, finally, applying lessons learned toward the development of commercial technologies. The chemistry is dominated by the presence of three electrophilic reaction centers and a readily polymerizable 2‐alkenyl group. Technological development has been focused in four general areas: acrylamide monomers, acrylamide materials, azlactone materials, and polymer modification. Application areas disinclude lithographic printing plates, contact lens materials, adhesives, dispersants for printing inks, and supports for immobilizing enzymes.