| abstract |
This invention is directed to a terpolymer containing as polymerized units at least one first monomer selected from the group of vinyl acetate, vinyl ethers and vinyl carbonates, at least one second monomer of an ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, and at least one third monomer of an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid. The terpolymer is formed by a free-radical polymerization in a nonaqueous solvent. It has further been discovered that the partial hydrolysis, saponification, and saponification followed by oxidation of this terpolymer leads to terpolymer derivatives with improved detergent properties and improved biodegradability. |