The present invention concerns the preparation of chemically modified derivatives of chitosan with acrylic groups and their use in the field of enamel-dentin adhesives. Chitosan derivatives have physical-chemical features (hydrophilicity, presence of electrical charges on the chain) which allow them to interact with the organic part of the demineralized tooth. At the same time, the acrylic groups incorporated in the polymer chain allow the formation of a covalent bond with the restorative material used in the dental field that is typically composed of acrylic resins. By combining the adhesion to the tooth surface and the bond with the restorative material, the chemically modified chitosan described herein is able to increase the lifespan of the dental restoration and can thus find use in the field of adhesives, in particular enamel-dentin adhesives.