Abstract: Process for the preparation of polycarbonates by reacting at least one epoxy compound with carbon dioxide at 40.degree. to 200.degree. C. and 2 to 40 bar in the presence of a catalytic amount of a double metal cyanide complex and (a) one or more salts composed of at least bivalent metal ions and metal-free anions having a solubility in water of at least 1 g/100 ml at 25.degree. C., and/or (b) one or more no-metal containing acids of which a 0.1 N solution in water at 25.degree. C. has a pH not exceeding 3.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of polycarbonates by reacting at least one epoxy compound with carbon dioxide at 40.degree. to 200.degree. C. and 2 to 40 bar in the presence of a catalytic amount of a double metal cyanide complex and(a) one or more salts composed of at least bivalent metal ions and metal-free anions having a solubility in water of at least 1 g/100 ml at 25.degree. C., and/or(b) one or more no-metal containing acids of which a 0.1 N solution in water at 25.degree. C. has a pH not exceeding 3.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of polycarbonates by reacting at least one epoxy compound with carbon dioxide at 40.degree. to 200.degree. C. and 2 to 40 bar in the presence of a catalytic amount of a double metal cyanide complex and(a) one or more salts composed of at least bivalent metal ions and metal-free anions having a solubility in water of at least 1 g/100 ml at 25.degree. C., and/or(b) one or more no-metal containing acids of which a 0.1N solution in water at 25.degree. C. has a pH not exceeding 3.

Abstract: Compounds according to formula:M.sup.1.sub.a [M.sup.2 (CN).sub.b (A).sub.c ].sub.d.w M.sup.3 D.sub.e.x H.sub.2 O. y L. z H.sub.n E.sub.m,wherein M.sup.1 represents at least one of Zn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(ii), Mn(II), Cu(II), Sn(II), or Pb(II); M.sup.2 represents at least one of Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(III), Cr(III), Mn(II), Mn(III), Ir(III), Rh(III), Ru(II), V(IV) or V(V); M.sup.3 represents M.sup.1 and/or M.sup.2 ; A, D and E each represent an anion which may be the same or different; L represents an alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ether, ester, amide, nitrile or sulphide or mixtures thereof; a and d are numbers to satisfy the valency state of M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 in the double metal cyanide part of the general formula I; b and c are integers (b>c) which together with a and d provide the electroneutrality of the double metal cyanide part of the general formula I; e is an integer satisfying the valency state of M.sup.3 ; n and m are integers satisfying the electroneutrality of HE, andw is a number between 0.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a polyether polyol by reaction between an organic compound containing 2 or more active hydrogen atoms in the molecule and an alkylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising a tertiary amine NRR'.sub.2, in which R is a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group and each R' may be an alkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyethers by reaction between a polyol reactant having a melting point above 80.degree. C. and alkylene oxide, during which a substantially continuous flow of alkylene oxide is passed through a bed of the polyol. The polyether products find particular application, for instance, in the manufacture of polyurethanes.