Macromolecular disinfectants: Conjugates of maleic anhydride copolymers with phenolic derivatives

New conjugates of maleic anhydride copolymers were synthesized by mild reaction with thymol, eugenol, phenylethyl alcohol, or citronellol, with conversions between 23 and 44%. They were characterized by conductometric titration in acetone-water, IR spectra, and TG analysis. Potentiometric titration showed that the conjugates behave as polyelectrolytes, due to the carboxylic groups from both converted and unconverted maleic moieties. The preliminary data on antimicrobial properties of maleic conjugates showed that the conjugate of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer with eugenol could act as a macromolecular disinfectant e.g. in dentistry.