The synthesis and characterisation of hyperbranched poly(diethyl3-hydroxyglutarate)

Hyperbranched aliphatic polyesters derived from the AB2 monomer diethyl 3-hydroxyglutarate in the presence of titanium(iv) butoxide are reported. The oligomeric products were characterised by GPC, NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The degree of branching, molecular weights and the possibility of intramolecular cyclisation reactions have been evaluated. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used to quantify the extent of possible side reactions, particularly those resulting from alkoxide exchange with the catalyst.