SELF-STERILIZING POLYMERS - CONTROLLED RELEASE OF GLUTARALDEHYDE

alpha,beta-unsaturated derivatives of 2-methoxy-2H-3,4-dihydropyran were synthesized. Stereochemical considerations of these heterocycles are briefly discussed. These compounds undergo a rapid first order reaction with water to produce glutaraldehyde, a potent microbial sterilant. Copolymers derived from these compounds and HEMA were found to provide excellent examples of clear, hard-sanitizing films; presumably by reaction with atmospheric moisture. Microbiological assays indicate that the release rates of the active agent from the polymers vary greatly depending on the hydrophilicity of the comonomers.