Non‐catalytic, solvent‐free synthesis of poly(tartronic‐co‐glycolic acid) as a versatile coating for different surfaces

The synthesis of poly(tartronic‐co‐glycolic acid) from tartronic acid is achieved by a simple thermal polycondensation method. This novel polyester was characterized by NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as by high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It contains pendent carboxyl groups at the tartronic acid units which therefore render it a more hydrophilic and more versatile analogue of poly(glycolic acid) combining the known biodegradability with the functionality of the pendent carboxyl groups. Thus, it is of interest for application in the synthesis of drug‐carrying biodegradable matrices. The copolymer was further used for coating different surfaces of magnetic nanoparticles such as magnetite, silica, titanium dioxide and exploited as a platform for further functionalization.