The polymerizations of bis(N-carbonyl aziridine)s
to form polyamide copolymers are reported. Terephthalaziridine (TP-Az), derived from postconsumer PETE, reacts with a variety
of dinucleophiles, including dicarboxylic acids, diphenols, and disulfides,
to form poly(amide ester)s, poly(amide ether)s, or poly(amide sulfide)s,
respectively. The step-growth polymerization of the aliphatic adipoyl
aziridine (AD-Az) and the 2-methyl-substituted TP-MeAz mirrors that of TP-Az. The polymerizations
of TP-Az, AD-Az, and TP-MeAz are performed
under mild conditions and open air, conditions that are compatible
with many functional groups. As examples, both itaconic acid (containing
a vinylidene group) and d-tartaric acid (containing a diol)
copolymerize with TP-Az without the need for protecting
group chemistry.