Question

Compound A is a novel poly(ester amide) copolymer that can be used as a bioabsorbable coating for the controlled release of drugs. A is a copolymer of four monomers, two of which are amino acids or amino acid derivatives. The body’s enzymes recognize the naturally occurring amino acids in the polymer backbone, allowing for the controlled enzymatic breakdown of the polymer and steady release of an encapsulated drug. Identify the four monomers used to synthesize A; then use Figure 29.2 to name the two amino acids.

Poly(ester amide) A

Short answer

Answer

The four monomers used to synthesize poly(ester amide) A are:

• Leucine
• Succinic acid
• Benzyl lysinate
• Ethylene glycol

The amino acids are leucine and benzyl lysinate.

Step-by-step solution

Poly(ester amide) A

The polymer molecule made up of amide and ester group is poly(ester amide) A. This polymer substance has good thermal and mechanical properties. This property is due to the degradable property of ester and amide groups.

Amino acids and esters

Amino acids are organic molecules used in making protein substances.Amino acids are also present in polymers.

The organic compound is formed when a hydrogen atom of acid gets replaced by some other organic or alkyl groups.

About the monomers

The four monomers are listed below.

• Leucine: The structure of this compound is given below. It is an amino acid.

Leucine

• Succinic acid: The structure of this compound is given below.

Succinic acid

• Benzyl lysinate: The structure of this compound is given below. It is an amino acid.

Benzyl lysinate

• Ethylene glycol: The structure of this compound is given below.

Ethylene glycol