The reaction of hydrazine with ethyl glycolate results in 1,2-bisglycoylhydrazine, a monomer that was used for the lipase-catalyzed synthesis of biodegradable poly(ester hydrazide)s. The polymers derived from the hydrazide-containing monomer and vinyl-activated adipic, suberic, and sebacic acid, respectively, showed low melting temperatures of 136 to 141 degrees C and are thermally stable up to 300 degrees C. The aliphatic poly(ester hydrazide)s (PEHs) are highly crystalline, as proven by polarization microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Further, the PEHs represent the first described biodegradable poly(hydrazide)s. They degrade in the presence of lipase at 37 degrees C within a few weeks.