Polymerization of cyclohexene oxide with Al(acac)3- silanol catalyst

The polymerization of cyclohexene oxide was investigated with a new catalyst system of Al(acac)₃- silanol compounds. Catalyst activity varied with the ratio of silanol/Al(acac)₃ and the structure of silanol compounds. Catalyst deactivation appeared to be caused by self-condensation of silanol and the addition of silanol to the epoxy ring. Polymer structure was investigated by ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The mechanism of the polymerization appears to be cationic.