Polycondensation of cyclodextrins with epichlorohydrin. Influence of reaction conditions on the polymer structure

Abstract

Abstract A series of water‐soluble polymers was synthesized by polycondensation of cyclodextrin with epichlorohydrin under basic conditions. We studied their molecular distribution as a function of molar ratios of reactants. NaOH concentration showed that very high molecular averages (Mw > 10 6 ) can be obtained. The substitution patterns were determined by 13 C NMR analysis and standard methylation analysis of polysaccharides. The formation of side chains and bridges consisting of sequences of poly(2‐hydroxypropyl)ether units were demonstrated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and gas liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The predominant position of substitution depends on the NaOH concentration.