Abstract: Shape memory materials are a kind of intelligent polymer with chromophore group which will undergo isomerization reactions (such as geometrical isomerism) in light, then possess the shape memory properties. In this thesis, methyl cinnamate and diethanolamine was catalyzed by sodium methylate.. The product was identified as -methyl--cinnamoyl--valerolactone with FTIR, NMR, MS and elemental analysis, etc. The influence of methyl/diethanolamine ratio, catalyst amount, reaction temperature and reaction time on the reaction conversion was investigated. On this basis, the optimal reaction conditions were defined as follow: methylate/diethanolamine ratio was 1:2, sodium methoxide amount was 0.6% (total reactants), reaction temperature was 110 oC and the reaction time was 5 hours. The optimal yield of the reaction was 73.8%, and the purity of the product was 91%.
