Glycopolymers with glucosamine pendant groups: Copolymerization, physico-chemical and interaction properties

The synthesis of an unprotected glycomonomer, 2-{[(d-glucosamin-2-N-yl)carbonyl]oxy}ethyl acrylate (HEAGl) is firstly described as well as its copolymerization with methyl methacrylate by conventional free radical polymerization in DMSO solutions at 70 °C in a wide range of compositions. The reactions have been followed by in situ monitoring proton NMR which allows examining the system copolymerization kinetic as well as the variation of cumulative feed and copolymer compositions as a function of conversion. The monomer reactivity ratios have been calculated using the Mayo-Lewis terminal model and Kelen-Tüdös extended equation. The glass transition and thermal stability temperatures have been determined in statistical glycopolymers obtained at high degree of conversions. Finally, the ability of the water-soluble glycopolymers to interact with Con A lectin has been investigated.