THE USE OF POLYMER UNZIPPING FOR THE DETECTION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE AGENTS
Abstract
Continued work on polymers of n-heptaldehyde indicated that these polymers were promising for use in detection. Linear polyacetals appear to have been obtained by polymerizing heptaldehyde. This conclusion is based especially on infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral properties of both the polymers synthesized and the monomeric residues obtained by degrading the polymers. It is also supported by determinations of intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight. Acetate-capped polymers are much more stable than uncapped polymers under most of the conditions investigated. The depolymerization of acetate-capped polymers appears, however, to be catalyzed by surface effects in certain types of infrared cells used for spectral studies. Partial depolymerization occurs during storage at low temperatures, and the polymer residues remaining after storage appear to depolymerize much more rapidly in solution at room temperature than the freshly prepared materials. The monomeric impurity formed during storage, or an acid impurity formed by air oxidation of the monomer, may catalyze decomposition; alternatively, the reduced molecular weight may account for the more rapid decomposition. Depolymerization appears to be faster in carbon tetrachloride than in chloroform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0478526
Entities
People
- Edward B. Dismukes
Organizations
- Southern Research