Polyketoesters

Polyketoesters are a class of polymers characterized by the presence of ketoester functional groups within their repeating units. These functional groups consist of a ketone (C=O) adjacent to an ester (–COO–) linkage. The general structure can be represented as a repeating unit containing both of these functionalities. Polyketoesters can be synthesized through various polymerization methods, often involving monomers that contain pre-formed ketoester structures or through reactions that generate these groups in situ. For instance, polycondensation reactions of diketones with diacids, or other related bifunctional monomers, can lead to their formation. The properties of polyketoesters are influenced by the specific chemical structure of the repeating unit, including the length of alkyl chains, the position of the ketoester group, and the presence of other functional groups. These polymers can exhibit a range of properties such as thermoplasticity or thermosetting behavior. Their reactivity stems from the ketoester functionality, which can undergo various chemical transformations, including hydrolysis, reduction, and reactions with nucleophiles. This reactivity makes polyketoesters potentially useful in applications such as biodegradable materials, drug delivery systems, and as precursors for other functional polymers. Research in this area focuses on tailoring their synthesis and properties for specific applications.