Thermal cyclization of oligomeric amido acids

The kinetics of the thermal cyclization of oligomeric amido acids in the solid state are studied. It is shown that on heat treatment of oligoamido acids with functional end groups, condensation occurs at these groups, and takes place with an anomalously high rate, in spite of the fact that the process take place in the solid phase. It is concluded that the reaction involves a mechanism of rapid (relay race) transfer of functionality. The effective coefficient of diffusion of this process is evaluated.