Polymerization of cyclohexene oxide with Al(acac)3‐silanol catalyst supported by zeolite and porous silica

Abstract

AbstractThe polymerization of cyclohexene oxide with Al(acac)3‐silanol catalyst supported by zeolite and porous silica has been investigated. Cyclohexene oxide was also polymerized to a lesser extent by a zeolite‐silanol catalyst and an Al(acac)3‐silica gel catalyst. The catalytic activity of the zeolite‐silanol system varied with the zeolite pore size. The catalytic activity of the Al(acac)3‐silanol system was enhanced by supporting the catalyst with porous silica or zeolite. The Al(acac)3‐silanol catalyst supported by zeolite was especially effective in increasing polymer conversion and molecular weight. Catalytic activity increased with increasing chemical interaction between silanol and porous silica. The molecular weight of the polymers with these catalysts increased in the order zeolite‐silanol> zeolite‐Al(acac)3‐silanol >Al(acac)3‐silanol ≈ Al(acac)3‐silanol supported by porous silica>Al(acac)3‐silica gel.