Synthesis of some poly(4-alkyl-4-azaheptamethylene-D-glucaramides)

Six 4-alkyl-4-azaheptane-1,7-diamines, characterized as their solid bis(D-g luconamides), were prepared in a two-step synthesis: bis(cyanoethylation) o f the primary alkylamines (C-8-C-18, even-numbered) followed by an efficien t lithium aluminum hydride reduction of the resulting bisnitriles. The azad iamines were then used as monomers in condensation polymerizations with met hyl D-glucarate 1,4-lactone in a methanol solution, yielding polyhydroxypol yaminopolyamides isolated directly as white solids with varying hydrophobic /hydrophilic character. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.