Polymerization of tetrahydrofuran

US4243799A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Herbert Mueller · Herznach, CH
• Otto H. Huchler · Schifferstadt, DE
• Herwig Hoffmann · Bischofswerda, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 18, 1979
• Grant date: Jan 6, 1981
• Expiry date: May 18, 1999

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08G65/266
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the preparation of polybutylene glycol carboxylic acid diesters of the formula EQU R--CO--O--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n CO--R.sup.1 by polymerizing pretreated tetrahydrofuran in the presence of one or more carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic acid anhydrides and of a polymerization catalyst, especially antimony pentachloride or a bleaching earth containing less than 3% by weight of water, wherein the tetrahydrofuran is treated with a strong mineral acid, an organic sulfonic acid, silica gel and/or a bleaching earth prior to the polymerization.