Highly active double metal cyanide catalysts and epoxide polymerization
AssigneeArco Chemical Technology, L.P.
InventorBi Le-Khac
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Abstract
Highly active double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts are disclosed. The catalysts comprise a DMC complex, and organic complexing agent, and from about 5 to about 80 wt. %, based on the amount of catalyst, of a polyether having a number average molecular weight greater than about 500. A method of preparing the catalysts is also disclosed. The catalysts are easy to prepare, have exceptional activity, and are readily removed, if desired, from polymer products. The catalysts are used for polymerizing epoxides.
Claims14
A process for polymerizing an epoxide, said process comprising reacting an epoxide and a hydroxyl group-containing initiator in the presence of a catalyst which comprises:
- (a) a double metal cyanide compound;
- (b) an organic complexing agent;
- and
- (c) from about 5 to about 80 wt. %, based on the amount of catalyst, of a polyether having a number average molecular weight greater than about 500.
A process for polymerizing an epoxide, said process comprising reacting an epoxide and a hydroxyl group-containing initiator in the presence of a catalyst which comprises:
- (a) a zinc hexacyanocobaltate compound;
- (b) tert-butyl alcohol;
- and
- (c) from about 5 to about 80 wt. %, based on the amount of catalyst, of a polyether having a number average molecular weight greater than about 500.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.