Glycolide (1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione) is the cyclic diester of glycolic acid and a monomer for ring-opening polymerization (ROP) to poly(glycolide) (PGA) and lactide-glycolide copolymers. This ≥99.5% grade is a white crystalline solid intended for polymer synthesis and related materials research.
CAS: 502-97-6 | Assay: ≥99.5% | Molecular weight: 116.1 g/mol
Synonyms: 1,4-Dioxane-2,5-dione; Glycollide.
Water content is limited to ≤0.03%, an important consideration for moisture-sensitive ring-opening polymerization methods. The influence of water and other protic species on polymerization depends on the catalyst and initiator system used.
Explore related biodegradable polymer precursors, poly(glycolide) (PGA), and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) materials.
Key Properties
- Cyclic diester monomer
- Chemical name: 1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione
- CAS: 502-97-6
- Molecular formula: C4H4O4
- Molecular weight: 116.1 g/mol
- Assay: ≥99.5%
- Appearance: white crystalline solid
- Melting range: 82–87°C
- Water content: ≤0.03%
- Titratable acid: ≤1 meq/kg
- Total residual solvent: ≤0.1%
- Ethyl acetate: ≤5,000 ppm
- Identity: conforms to FT-IR reference
- Storage: -20°C; protect from moisture
Applications
Poly(glycolide) Synthesis
Glycolide undergoes ring-opening polymerization to form poly(glycolide) (PGA). Polymer molar mass and conversion depend on the catalyst and initiator system, monomer-to-initiator ratio, temperature, reaction time, and control of moisture and other protic species.
Lactide-Glycolide Copolymer Synthesis
Glycolide can be copolymerized with lactide to prepare poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). Lactide:glycolide composition is a primary structural variable in these copolymers and is selected according to the polymer composition required for the study.
Ring-Opening Polymerization Research
Glycolide is used in studies of cyclic-ester polymerization, including catalyst and initiator selection, polymerization kinetics, copolymer composition, and molar-mass control.
Polymerization & Selection Considerations
- Glycolide is a six-membered cyclic diester containing two ester groups
- Ring-opening polymerization produces poly(glycolide) repeat units
- Copolymerization with lactide produces lactide-glycolide copolymers
- Assay: ≥99.5%
- Water content: ≤0.03%
- Polymerization behavior depends on catalyst, initiator, monomer-to-initiator ratio, temperature, reaction time, and reaction environment
Glycolide and glycolic acid are chemically distinct. Glycolic acid is an α-hydroxy acid, whereas glycolide is its cyclic diester and is used directly as a monomer in ring-opening polymerization.
Application Tips
- Minimize exposure to ambient moisture during weighing and transfer
- Use reaction vessels, solvents, and reagents with moisture levels appropriate for the selected polymerization method
- Control catalyst or initiator concentration, temperature, and reaction time when comparing polymerization conditions
- For molar-mass studies, maintain a defined monomer-to-initiator ratio appropriate to the polymerization chemistry
- For lactide-glycolide copolymers, control monomer feed composition and conversion when comparing copolymer formulations
Handling & Storage
- Store at -20°C
- Protect from moisture
- Keep the container closed when not in use
- Handle with good laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection during handling
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FAQ
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1. What is glycolide?
Glycolide is the cyclic diester of glycolic acid. Its chemical name is 1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione, and it is widely used as a monomer for ring-opening polymerization to PGA and lactide-glycolide copolymers.
2. What is glycolide used for?
Glycolide is used primarily as a monomer for poly(glycolide) synthesis and as a comonomer with lactide in the preparation of PLGA and related aliphatic polyesters.
3. What is the structure of glycolide?
Glycolide is a six-membered cyclic diester with the chemical name 1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione. It contains two ester groups within the ring and has the molecular formula C4H4O4.
4. Is glycolide the same as glycolic acid?
No. Glycolic acid is an α-hydroxy acid. Glycolide is the cyclic diester formed from two glycolic acid units and is used as a monomer for ring-opening polymerization.
5. What is the melting point of glycolide?
This grade has a specified melting range of 82–87°C.
6. What is the purity of this glycolide?
The assay is ≥99.5%. Water content is limited to ≤0.03%, total residual solvent to ≤0.1%, and titratable acid to ≤1 meq/kg.
7. Why is moisture control important when polymerizing glycolide?
Water and other protic species can influence initiation, chain transfer, and molar-mass control in moisture-sensitive ring-opening polymerization systems. The magnitude of the effect depends on the catalyst and initiator chemistry.
8. Can glycolide be used to prepare PLGA?
Yes. Glycolide is copolymerized with lactide to prepare PLGA. Browse our PLGA materials and biodegradable polymer precursors for related products.
9. How should glycolide be stored?
Store at -20°C, protect from moisture, and keep the container closed when not in use.
10. Can I request a larger quantity?
Yes. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Glycolide can cause serious eye damage. Handle with appropriate laboratory ventilation, protective gloves, and eye protection. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety and handling information and the Product Specification for current quality-control specifications.
