Poly `beta`-hydroxy butrate -`CO-beta-`hydroxy Valerate (PHBV): It is a Copolymer of 3 -hydroxy butanoic acid and 3 -hydroxy pentanoic acid .
`{:(n[CH_(3)-underset(OH)underset(|)CH-CH_(2)-COOH]+n[CH_(3)-CH_(2)-underset(OH)underset(|)CH-CH_(2)-COOH]),(" "darr):}`
`[{:(CH-CH_(2)-COO-CH-CH_(2)-COO),(|" "|),(CH_(3) " "CH_(2)),(" "|),(" "CH_(3)),(" ""Polymer"):}]_(n)` Properties & Uses : The properties of PHBV vary according to the ratio of both the acids , 3-hydroxy butanoic acid provides stiffness and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid imparts flexibility to copolymer.
It is used in medicine for making capsules PHBV also undergoes degradation by bacteria.
