cis-Aconitic anhydride is used in the preparation of poly(amino acid)-containing copolymers with gradient pH-sensitive side groups initiated by the amino groups in methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-lysine). It is also involved in the preparation of pH-sensitive anti-tumor prodrug nanoparticles by conjugation with D-alfa-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS).
Reflux it in xylene (7.5 parts) for 1hour, then evaporate and recrystallise the residue from *C6H6. Alternatively, reflux it in Ac2O, evaporate and recrystallise from *C6H6. It is sensitive to moisture. [IR: Groth & Dahlén Acta Chem Scand 21 291 1967, Malachowski & Maslowski Chem Ber 61 2523 1928, NMR: Gawron & Mahajan Biochemistry 5 2335 1966.] [Beilstein 18/8 V 530.]
