Copolymerization of Carbon Dioxide and Propylene Oxide with Zinc Catalysts Supported on Carboxyl-Containing Polymers

Polymer-supported zinc catalysts were prepared by the reaction of di-ethylzinc with polymers containing carboxyl groups. The catalysts were employed in the alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide to give poly(propylene carbonate) of high molecular weight. Copolymers of styrene and acrylic acid were shown to be better catalyst supports than poly(acrylic acid) and some other polymers. Maximum activity was achieved when the molar ratio of Zn/COOH was around unity. The yield and molecular weight of the polycarbonate rose with increasing reaction time. Higher reaction rates but lower molecular weights of the product were observed at elevated reaction temperatures