Abstract: Ethylene carbonate is polymerized by itself or together with another cyclic monomer such as 1,2-propylene oxide in the presence of a double metal cyanide catalyst. Most of the ethylene carbonate adds to the chain to form a terminal carbonate group, which decarboxylates to produce a hydroxyethyl group at the end of the polymer chain. The polymerization of more ethylene carbonate onto the chain end results in the formation of poly(ethyleneoxy) units. Therefore, the process provides a method for making poly(ethyleneoxy) polymers without the need to polymerize ethylene oxide. The process is useful for making polyethers that are useful as water-absorbable polymers, surfactants and as raw materials for polyurethanes. The process is also useful for increasing the primary hydroxyl content of a polyether.

Abstract: A polyglycerine initiated polyether polyol exhibiting a final functionality less than the nominal functionalities of the polyol initiator wherein the initiator is a polyglycerine formed by the polymerization of glycerin having an HEW less than about 35 and exhibiting a nominal functionality between 2 and 16 is provided. Also provided is a process for producing a polyfunctional polyurethane by the reaction of a mixture containing a polyol based on polyglycerine initiator wherein between 5 wt % and 100 wt % of the total initiator is polyglycerine having a nominal functionality between 2 and 16, at least one organic isocyanate, an amine and/or a metal salt catalyst, and optionally a blowing agent. Also provided is a flexible polyurethane foam comprising a reaction product of a polyglycerine or formed by the glycidol polymerization of glycerin, at least one organic isocyanate, and an amine catalyst.

Abstract: A polyglycerine initiated polyether polyol exhibiting a final functionality less than the nominal functionalities of the polyol initiator wherein the initiator is a polyglycerine formed by the polymerization of glycerin having an HEW less than about 35 and exhibiting a nominal functionality between 2 and 16 is provided. Also provided is a process for producing a polyfunctional polyurethane by the reaction of a mixture containing a polyol based on polyglycerine initiator wherein between 5 wt % and 100 wt % of the total initiator is polyglycerine having a nominal functionality between 2 and 16, at least one organic isocyanate, an amine and/or a metal salt catalyst, and optionally a blowing agent. Also provided is a flexible polyurethane foam comprising a reaction product of a polyglycerine or formed by the glycidol polymerization of glycerin, at least one organic isocyanate, and an amine catalyst.

Abstract: Ethylene carbonate is polymerized by itself or together with another cyclic monomer such as 1,2-propylene oxide in the presence of a double metal cyanide catalyst. Most of the ethylene carbonate adds to the chain to form a terminal carbonate group, which decarboxylates to produce a hydroxyethyl group at the end of the polymer chain. The polymerization of more ethylene carbonate onto the chain end results in the formation of poly(ethyleneoxy) units. Therefore, the process provides a method for making poly(ethyleneoxy) polymers without the need to polymerize ethylene oxide. The process is useful for making polyethers that are useful as water-absorbable polymers, surfactants and as raw materials for polyurethanes. The process is also useful for increasing the primary hydroxyl content of a polyether.