1-Acrylamido-1-deoxy-D-glucitol and 1-deoxy-1-methacrylamido-D-glucitol are synthesized from 1-amino-l-deoxy-D-glucitol (o-glucamine) and the appropriate acid anhydride. In an alternate synthesis acryloyl chloride replaces acrylic anhydride, and D-glucamine oxalate may replace the free hasc. The amides are relatively resistant to alkaline hydrolysis. Polymerization of the amides is initiated by high energy radiation, by decomposition of ...