Abstract: Methods for preparing free radical or visible light curable (VLC) acid-containing polymers in an aqueous solution are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises reacting polymers having reactive carboxylic acid groups with a methacrylated oxazoline or oxazine, collectively referred to hereafter as “methacrylated unsaturated cyclic imino ethers,” in an aqueous solution at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 75° C. In another embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of preparing the carboxylic acid-containing polymer in an aqueous solution and then reacting the carboxylic acid-containing polymer with the methacrylated cyclic imino ether in the aqueous solution. The present invention also relates to free radical or VLC acid-containing polymers, and dental restoratives that comprise such polymers. Methods of attaching an oxazoline or oxazine to a carboxylate group on a polymer in an aqueous solution are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for preparing visible light curable (VLC) acid-containing polymers in an aqueous solution are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises reacting polymers having reactive carboxylic acid groups with a methacrylated oxazoline or oxazine, collectively referred to hereafter as “methacrylated unsaturated cyclic imino ethers,” in an aqueous solution at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 75° C. In another embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of preparing the carboxylic acid-containing polymer in an aqueous solution and then reacting the carboxylic acid-containing polymer with the methacrylated cyclic imino ether in the aqueous solution. The present invention also relates to VLC acid-containing polymers, and dental restoratives that comprise such polymers. Methods of attaching an oxazoline or oxazine to a carboxylate group on a polymer in an aqueous solution are also provided.