| abstract |
Disclosed herein are polymers containing repeating units of formula (I) or copolymers containing the repeating units of formula (I) and (I I), where R1 to R12, m, n, p, q, x and y are as defined herein. The polymers and copolymers have an antimicrobial effect and may be used therapeutically or in formulations intended for use as detergents. In preferred embodiments, the cationic poly(alkylated imidazolium) chloride salts having charges constrained to the main chain are synthesized from a mixture of hydrochloric acid, diamine, formaldehyde and glyoxal via a Debus-Radziszewski reaction. |