Copolymerization of some epoxides by coordination-type catalysts

Copolymerizations of tritiated phenyl glycidyl ether with p- and m-methoxy, p-methyl, and p-chloro analogs, as well as with propylene oxide and epichlorohydrin are reported. The relative reactivities indicate greater Lewis acid character for triethylaluminum–water than for diethyl-zinc–water or ferric chloride–propylene oxide catalyst systems. The copolymerization of the PGE analogs is promoted by electron-donor groups and retarded by electron-withdrawing groups.