Synthesis of Sugar-Substituted Cyclic and Polymeric Phosphazenes and Their Oxidation, Reduction, and Acetylation Reactions

Sugar residues have been linked to cyclic and high-polymeric phosphazenes. Selective blocking of the 1,2- and 5,6-hydroxyl groups of α-D-glucose by acetone allowed linkage to the phosphazene via the remaining hydroxyl unit. Hydrolysis of the blocked, sugar-substituted phosphazenes brought about deprotection. The deprotected derivatives were then modified chemically by oxidation, reduction, and acetylation. The resultant high polymers are the first members of a new class of hydrophilic or water-soluble macromolecules. Their properties and structural characterization are discussed.