Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing palladium from a contaminated polyketone containing palladium which comprises contacting the contaminated polyketone with an olefin in the substantial absence of carbon monoxide at a temperature above the temperature at which the polyketone was formed and in a solvent in which the contaminated polyketone is insoluble. The process is preferably carried out in the presence of an acid. The temperature at which the process is carried out is preferably at least 20.degree. C. greater than the polymerization temperature.

Abstract: Novel hemiacetalized derivatives of polyketones (linear alternating polymers of carbon monoxide and one or more alkenes are prepared by reacting the polyketone with a diol of formula HOZOH, where Z=--(C(R).sub.2).sub.n --, the R goups are independently H, OH or C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl and n is 2 to 6. The process of preparation is characterized by using a molar ratio of diol to carbonyl groups in the polyketone of at least 5:1.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyacetals having less than 10% by weight carbonyl containing units and in which the molar ratio of acetal to furan units is greater than or equal to 15:1 is provided. The process comprises reacting a linear alternating polymer of carbon monoxide with one or more olefins (polyketone) with a diol at elevated temperature in the presence of an acid e.g. para-toluenesulphonic acid while continuously removing water generated by the reaction. Water is preferably removed by azeotropic distillation using a water-immiscible solvent.

Abstract: A process for preparing interpolymers of an olefin(s) and carbon monoxide (polyketones) is provided. The process employs a palladium catalyst prepared by reacting together a palladium source, a bidentate amine, phosphine, arsine or stibine and a source of a borate anion. The catalyst effects fast polymerization of the olefin(s) and carbon monoxide in, e.g. methanol or ethoxyethanol solvent. By using the catalyst a lower catalyst deactivation on recycle is observed relative to previously described systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing interpolymers of an olefin(s) and carbon monoxide (polyketones) is provided. The process employs a palladium catalyst prepared by reacting together a palladium source, a bidentate amine, phosphine, arsine or stibine and a source of a borate anion. The catalyst effects fast polymerization of the olefin(s) and carbon monoxide in, e.g. methanol or ethoxyethanol solvent. By using the catalyst a lower catalyst decactivation on recycle is observed relative to previously described systems.

Abstract: A process for preparing carbonate esters by the oxidative carbonylation of an alcohol is provided. The process comprises reacting an alcohol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a dihydrocarbyl peroxide the process being characterized by the fact that the carbon monoxide pressure at the reaction temperature is less than 15 bars and by the fact that a catalyst comprising a platinum group metal and a copper compound is employed. The process is useful for preparing dimethyl carbonate from methanol and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A process for preparing an acetal or a ketal comprises contacting an olefin with an alcohol at elevated temperature in the presence of a dihydrocarbyl peroxide and a catalyst comprising palladium and a copper compound. The process is preferably carried out in the presence of an amine which is unable to coordinate to the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an ester of dicarboxylic acid from an alkene, carbon monoxide. The process is catalyzed by a catalyst which comprises a platinum group metal, for example palladium, and a copper compound. To avoid catalyst deactivation the process is carried out in the presence of a dihydrocarbyl peroxide which is reduced to a hydrocarbyl alcohol under the process conditions. The process can be used, for example, to prepare succinate esters from ethylene, carbon monoxide, an alcohol and a dihydrocarbyl peroxide such as di-tertiary butyl peroxide.