Method for preparing polyacetals and polyketals by emulsion polymerization

A method for preparing polyacetals and polyketals by emusion polymerization, said method comprising the steps of

• (1) emulsifying in an aqueous medium a mixture comprising
• (a) at least one reagent containing at least 5 carbon atoms and 2 or more hydroxyl groups or 2 or more esterified hydroxyl groups of the formula RCOO-- where R is alkyl and contains from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and the hydroxyl or esterified hydroxyl groups are bonded to aliphatic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms,
• (b) at least one carbonyl compound containing at least 5 carbon atoms or a reaction product of said carbonyl compound and a water-soluble monofunctional alcohol containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, said carbonyl compound being selected from the group consisting of mono- and polyfunctional aldehydes and mono- and polyfunctional ketones wherein the carbonyl groups of the carbonyl compound are bonded to aliphatic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms, and
• (c) at least one polycondensation catalyst in an amount effective to accelerate the rate of reaction of (a) with (b), and
• (2) thereafter allowing (a) and (b) to react until the desired product is obtained.