“Active monomer” polymerization of δ‐benzyl L ‐α‐aminoadipate

The N ‐carboxyanhydride of δ‐benzyl L ‐α‐aminoadipate polymerizes when initiated by strong base through an “active monomer” mechanism. This is shown by the isolation of 6‐oxo‐ L ‐pipecolic acid from the product mixture, since this byproduct could only arise from an “active monomer” pathway. This study also specifies conditions for preparing high molecular weight poly(δ‐benzyl L ‐α‐aminoadipate) in high yield.