Polymerization of δ‐valerolactone and preparation of a thermostable derivative from its polyester

The kinetics of the polymerization of δ‐valerolactone initiated with ethylene glycol or monoethanolamine has been studied. An activation energy of 6.4 kcal./mole was obtained, and the mechanism of polymerization was also discussed. Though the produced polymer, a polyester with two alcoholic end‐groups, is easily depolymerized into the monomeric lactone at a temperature above 200°C., the polyester with acetylated end‐groups was found to be highly stable against heat.