Ring‐opening polymerization of tetrahydrofuran with rare earth‐contained catalysts

Abstract

AbstractRare earth trifluoroacetates, Ln(CF3CO2)3 (Ln=thirteen rare earth elements), combined with RnAlH3−n (R=methyl, octyl, n=3; R=ethyl, i‐Butyl, n=2,3) were used as catalysts for the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF). The activity increased by adding propylene oxide (PO), as a promoter, to the polymerization system, producing high molecular weight polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF). The effects of Ln, PO/Ln, and Al/Ln, and others on the polymerization of THF were also studied. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.