Question

Which of the following monomers form biodegradable polymers?

• A. 3-hydoxybutyric acid + 3-hydroxypentanoic acid
• B. Ethylene glycol + phthalic acid
• C. Glycine + amino caproic acid
• D. (a) and (c) above

Answer 1

The correct option is D (a) and (c) above

$\text{Poly}-\beta -\text{hydroxybutyrate co}-\beta -valerate$ (PHBV) is obtained by the copolymerization of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid. PHBV is used in specially packaging orthopedic devices and in controlled release of drugs. PHBV undergoes bacterial degradation in the environment.

Nylon 2-Nylon 6 is an alternating polyamide copolymer of glycine $(H_{2}N-C{H}_2-COOH)$ and aminocaproic acid $\left[N{H}_2\right(C{H}_2{)}_{5}COOH]$ and is biodegradable.

Glyptal is a copolymer of ethylene glycol and phthalic acid. It is an important component in the manufacturing of paints, lacquers and building materials.