Hydroxyalkoxy derivatives of oxamic acid: polyol substrates for polyurethane foams

BACKGROUND: The work reported aimed at obtaining hydroxyalkoxy derivatives containing oxalamidoester groups starting from oxamic acid (OA) substrate. These derivatives were then used for the synthesis of polyurethane foams. RESULTS: The hydroxyalkoxy derivatives were obtained by reaction of CA with 6 to 15 molar excess of ethylene carbonate (1,3-dioxolane-2-one) or propylene carbonate (4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one). The products obtained have good thermal stability and possess suitable physical properties for use as substrates for foamed polyurethanes. CONCLUSION: The rigid polyurethane foams obtained from the hydroxyalkoxy derivatives of OA possess enhanced thermal stability and good mechanical properties in comparison with traditional polyurethane foams. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry