Copolymerization of Carbon Monoxide with Formaldehyde Using Trioxane or Paraformaldehyde as a Formaldehyde Source in the Presence of the Chlorosulf uric Acid Catalyst

Abstract

Chlorosulfuric acid showed a high catalytic activity in the copolymerization of carbon monoxide with formaldehyde using trioxane or paraformaldehyde as a formaldehyde source. The copolymer obtained was separated into acetone-insoluble portion (white powder) and acetone-soluble portion (oil). The maximum yield of the acetone-insoluble copolymer was obtained when the copolymerization was carried out at 180°C. The ratio of carbonyl group to methylene group (CO/CH₂) of the acetone-insoluble copolymer was between 0.88and 0.94. Dichloromethane was found to be a good 'solvent for the copolymerization. The methanolys is products of the copolymer showed that the copolymer contained the structural unit of -CO⋅-CH₂O-. as a major component together with the structural units of -COCE₂OCH₂COO- [D]and -CH₂O-. The content of the structural unit [D] of the copoly mer increased with an increase in the pressure of carbon monoxide, the amount of the catalyst and the reaction temperature. The content of the unit [ D ] was higher in the acetone-soluble portion than in the acetone-insoluble portion.