Process for the direct polymerization of allyl ethers, crotyl ethers and allyl alcohols

Abstract

A process for the direct polymerization of allyl ethers, crotyl ethers and allyl alcohols is disclosed. The process comprises bringing into reactive proximity an allyl ether, crotyl ether or allyl alcohol compound; a transition metal carbonyl complex catalyst; and a cocatalyst bearing at least one silicon-hydrogen bond. Preferably, the catalyst is a cobalt carbonyl complex, and most preferably, the catalyst is dicobalt octacarbonyl. While virtually any compound bearing at least one silicon-hydrogen bond can be used as cocatalyst, phenylsilane is the most preferred. The process promotes the polymerization of allyl alcohols, mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- and multifunctional allyl and crotyl ether monomers, as well as terminal and pendent allyl and crotyl ether functional groups within oligomers and polymers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.