摘要：

The polymerization of β-butyrolactone was investigated as a possible monomer for a proposed synthesis of the naturally occurring polyester, D -poly-β-hydroxybutyrate ( D -PHB). The racemic DL -monomer was used in this initial study to determine the best conditions and catalyst system for use in a subsequent study of the polymerization of optically active β-butyrolactone. In so doing it was found that certain organometallic catalysts (Et 2 Zn and Et 3 Al) plus a cocatalyst of water produced highly crystalline samples of polyester from the racemic monomer. This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of the racemic polymer obtained using these catalyst systems, and compares the results obtained with certain other catalysts that were also investigated for this purpose. Examination of the DL -PHB by infrared, NMR, x-ray, and electron microscopy shows that it is possible to synthesize a crystalline racemic polymer that is virtually identical (excepting optical activity) to the naturally occurring polymer, D -PHB.

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