Patent ID: 6072021
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
A process for the copolymerization of formaldehyde with cyclic ethers comprising:Contacting in a reactor at a temperature in the range of 0-80.degree. C., an aromatic or saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon liquid; one or more cyclic ethers selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,3,5-trioxycylcoheptane, 1,3,6-trioxycyclooctane, and 1,3-dioxycycloheptane, said cyclic ether being at a concentration of at least 0.01 molar in said hydrocarbon liquid; a cationic initiator comprising an anion formed from a halogen containing tetraphenyl borate, and a cation; and formaldehyde containing less than 600 parts per million of water and alcohol combined, the molar feed ratio of formaldehyde to cyclic ether being in the range of 200:1 to 50:1;maintaining the temperature of the reactants in the range of 0-80.degree. C. thereby forming a copolymer, said copolymer comprising monomer units of formaldehyde and said one or more cyclic ethers in a formaldehyde to cyclic ether molar ratio in the range of ca. 200:1 to ca. 50:1; and separating the product.