Novel features of copoly(vinylacetate–maleic anhydride) microstructure

The microstructure of vinylacetate–maleic anhydride copolymer is investigated by UV, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR methods alongside with quantum-chemical calculations. The macromolecules of the equimolar copolymer are found to consist of the sequence of comonomer units. As soon as the copolymer interacts with atmospheric water and solvents, 2,5-dihydroxyfuran derivatives stabilized by hydrogen bonding are formed in the copolymer macromolecules owing to cycloanhydride-enolic tautomerism. These derivatives are quasi-aromatic by their nature.