Synthesis of new α, α′, β-trisubstituted β-lactones as monomers for hydrolyzable polyesters.

Novel α, α′, β-trisubstituted β-lactones have been prepared by a concise and efficient synthesis in five steps from commercial racemic diethyl oxalpropionate. These lactones with different lateral groups can be polymerized or co-polymerized for obtaining polyesters with high molecular weight. Chemical modification of these functionalized hydrolyzable polymers will be used to adjust their properties to the selected temporary applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]