Synthesis of 2,3,4,5-tetra-O-methyl-d-glucono-1,6-lactone as a monomer for the preparation of copolyesters

2,3,4,5-Tetra-O-methyl-d-glucono-1,6-lactone has been prepared as a crystalline compound in acceptable yield by two different routes. An initial assay of copolymerization with l-lactide by ring-opening polymerization was carried out. The incorporation of the carbohydrate monomer into the polymer chain was about 2%.