Process for preparing poly(alkylene carbonates)

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of poly(alkylene carbonate) polymer by the reaction of alkylene oxide with carbon dioxide and/or an alkylene carbonate at an elevated temperature and pressure. The improvement comprises conducting said reaction in the presence of a catalyst mixture comprising an alkaline catalyst and a stannate compound. It is preferred to employ either ethylene oxide or propylene oxide because they are generally most reactive and give rise to the fewest by-products. Of these two, ethylene oxide is most preferred. It is also preferred to employ either sodium stannate or potassium stannate as the stannate compound and potassium carbonate, …