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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #181712
Title: POLYMERIZATION OF L-ASPARTIC ACID TO POLYSUCCINIMIDE AND COPOLY(SUCCINIMIDE-ASPARTATE) IN SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE

Author
item Doll, Kenneth - Ken
item Shogren, Randal
item Holser, Ronald
item Willett, Julious
item SWIFT, GRAHAM - FOLIA, INC.

Submitted to: Journal of Organic Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/4/2005
Publication Date: 12/1/2005
Citation: Doll, K.M., Shogren, R.L., Holser, R.A., Willett, J.L., Swift, G. 2005. Polymerization of L-aspartic acid to polysuccinimide and copoly(succinimide-aspartate) in supercritical carbon dioxide. Letters in Organic Chemistry. 2:687-689.

Interpretive Summary: The compound polysuccinimide is a polymer synthesized from the natural amino acid, aspartic acid. It is a possible replacement for non-biodegradable poly-acrylic materials which are currently used in industries. We have synthesized polysuccinimide and a similar compound, copoly(succinimids-aspartate) in a reaction using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent. This avoids the use of environmentally harmful organic solvent, yet facilitates the reaction. This advance may help the natural and biodegradable aspartic acid to help replace the petroleum derived acrylic acid.

Technical Abstract: We have two polymeric materials for L-aspartic acid in supercritical carbon dioxide, polysuccinimide and copoly(succinimide-aspartate). The polysuccinimide was characterized by IR spectroscopy and GPC analysis. The copoly(succinimide-aspartate) product was also characterized by titration analysis. These bio-based materials may prove useful in reducing our dependence of petroleum products.