Polymer chemistry

Materials science

Biodegradation

Methylene

Maleic anhydride

Polymer

Organic chemistry

Copolymer

Hydrolysis

Succinic anhydride

Chemistry

Monomer

Journal of Macromolecular Science Part A

2‐Methylene‐1,3,6‐trioxocane (MTC) and maleic anhydride (MA) were copolymerized in the presence of a radical initiator. Elemental analysis suggested that the obtained copolymer consisted of alternating monomer units. After hydrolysis of the MA carboxylate anhydride functionality, the copolymer exhibited good calcium ion sequestration capacity and good buffer capacity. The biodegradability of the copolymer after hydrolysis was found to be good with a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)‐tester using soil.

Synthesis of Biodegradable Detergent Builder by Alternating Copolymerization of 2‐Methylene‐1,3,6‐trioxocane and Maleic Anhydride