Synthesis of cross-linked polymeric microparticles containing hexa-O-benzylsucrose

Starting from the key intermediate 1′,2,3,3′,4,4′-hexa-O-benzylsucrose, two bifunctional monomers (1′,2,3,3′,4,4′-hexa-O-benzyl-6,6′-dimethacryloylsucrose and 6,6′-diallyl-1′,2,3,3′,4,4′-hexa-O-benzylsucrose) were synthesized, applying microwave-assisted protocols. Two types of hydrophobic polymer beads were obtained by copolymerization with styrene, in which the bifunctional sucrose monomers acted as cross-linkers. The particles were characterized by degree of cross-linking, Tg (measured by DSC), particles form and size by AFM, and their properties compared.