Novel Biodegradable Aliphatic Polycarbonate Based on Ketal Protected Dihydroxyacetone

Summary: A novel aliphatic polycarbonate based on ketal protected dihydroxyacetone was synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic carbonate monomer, 2,2‐ethylenedioxypropane‐1,3‐diol carbonate (EOPDC), in bulk. Effects of polymerization conditions such as catalysts, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time on the polymerization were investigated. The polycarbonate obtained was characterized by GPC, FTIR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and DSC. The study on in vitro degradation of PEOPDC shows that the degradation mainly results from surface erosion. Synthesis of an aliphatic polycarbonate with a high molecular weight by ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic carbonate monomer EOPDC. image Synthesis of an aliphatic polycarbonate with a high molecular weight by ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic carbonate monomer EOPDC.