Abstract: Novel compounds having one group 13 element bound with one mono- or di-anionic tridentate ligand, a method of preparation thereof and use thereof as a copolymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofurans suitable for use as starting materials in the synthesis of polyether polyols without causing coloration in the product polyether polyols can be obtained by contacting crude tetrahydrofurans with a mineral acid or a strongly acidic cation-exchange resin, followed by isolation through a simple distillation and/or rectification to obtain purified tetrahydrofurans.

Abstract: Cross-linked electrically conductive polymers, in particular electrically conductive, polyaniline are described. Dopants and substituents having pendant cross-linkable functionality are used which form a cross-linked conducting polymer network. The cross-linking functionality can be hydrogen-bonding as well as chemically polymerizable or cross-linkable. A conjugated path between chains can also be incorporated. The resulting cross-linked conducting polymers have enhanced thermal and environmental stability. The dopant cannot readily be washed out with solvents or diffuse out upon exposure to heat. In addition, the cross-linked polymers have enhanced electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A polymer which can be crosslinked by high-energy radiation and contains from 0.1 to 50% by weight, based on the polymer, of 2,3-dihydrofuran groups or derivatives thereof, each calculated as 2,3-dihydrofuran.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing polytetrahydrofuran, polytetrahydrofuran copolymers, diesters or monoesters of these polymers by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran in the presence of at least one telogene and/or comonomer on a sulfate-containing heterogeneous supported catalyst. A sulfate-containing heterogeneous supported catalyst is used containing at least one metal sulfate, metal hydrogen sulfate, metal oxide sulfate or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use as thermothickeners of multi-block copolymers of general formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## wherein E designates a polyoxyalkylene sequence; A designates a water-soluble polymer sequence; X is a sulphur or oxygen atom; Y is an oxygen atom or an --N--R' group, R' being a linear or branched alkyl; R is a linear or branched alkyl, aralky or alkylaryl group; and n is such that the molecular mass of the multi-block copolymers Mp is greater than 250,000 g/mol.

Abstract: Polyethers containing pendant azide groups are cured without a catalyst by yclo-addition with diacetylenes to form triazole cross-linked, energetic binders having improved mechanical properties and stability. The polyethers typically have three hydroxy-terminated chains each of about 5000 to about 50,000 daltons. Ideally, only one azide group per chain reacts by cyclo-addition since the diacetylene is added in a proportion of about one molecule to each two polyether chains. Repeating units of glycidal azide, azidomethylmethyloxetane, bis-azidomethyloxetane/nitratomethylmethyloxetane, and bis-azidomethyloxetane/azidomethylmethyloxetane are believed effective as polyethers when used with the diethynlbenzenes 1,4-bis(ethynl)benzene, 1,4-bis(ethynlcarbonyl)benzene, and 1,3-bis(cyanoethynl)benzene. The polyethers may be further cross-liked at the hydroxyl terminations by urethane bonds.

Abstract: A functionialized polymer according to the invention includes a polymer molecule having the general formula AYLi where A is a cyclic amine-containing radical having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a divalent alkylene, an oxy- or amino-alkylene, or substituted alkylene having from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is a linear-, branched-, or cyclo-alkylene having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; and Y is a divalent polymer radical and Li is a lithium atom bonded to a carbon atom of Y.

Abstract: Polymers are obtainable by polymerising or copolymerising 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives of the formula ##STR1## in which X, X', Y, Y', Z and Z' each independently are a C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 hydrocarbon radical or hydrogen.

Abstract: The amount of high molecular weight impurity present in a polyether polyol produced by alkoxylation of an active hydrogen-containing initiator using a double metal cyanide complex catalyst may be advantageously lowered by treating the catalyst prior to use in polymerization with a silylating agent. Suitable silylating agents include trialkyl halosilanes and trialkyl alkyoxysilanes. The higher purity polyether polyols thereby produced are particularly useful in the preparation of slab and molded polyurethane foams, which tend to collapse or become excessively tight when elevated levels of high molecular tail are present in the polyether polyol.

Abstract: An improved process for the polymerization of cyclic ethers to polyethers using strong Bronsted acid catalysts is disclosed. The catalysts are fluorinated sulfonic acid containing polymers. The resulting polyethers are useful as monomers and in adhesives.

Abstract: Unique, well defined macromonomers containing hydroxyl-functionality, unsaturation-functionality, and polyoxyalkylene segments are prepared by oxyalkylating an unsaturated initiator molecule having at least one oxyalkylatable hydrogen in the presence of an effective amount of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, optionally, when necessary, in the presence of a free radical polymerization inhibitor. The resulting unsaturated macromonomers are eminently suitable for such uses as copolymerization with ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing carboxylic acid-based groups such as acrylic acid to form effective superplasticizers and water reducers for cement and concrete applications.

Abstract: Cross-linked electrically conductive polymers, in particular electrically conductive, polyaniline are described. Dopants and substituents having pendant cross-linkable functionality are used which form a cross-linked conducting polymer network. The cross-linking functionality can be hydrogen-bonding as well as chemically polymerizable or cross-linkable. A conjugated path between chains can also be incorporated. The resulting cross-linked conducting polymers have enhanced thermal and environmental stability. The dopant cannot readily be washed out with solvents or diffuse out upon exposure to heat. In addition, the cross-linked polymers have enhanced electrical conductivity.

Abstract: Thus, there is provided according to the present invention polyol compositions comprising(A) a polytetramethylene ether glycol, and(B) a difunctional active hydrogen compound-initiated polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having a degree of unsaturation of not greater than 0.04 milliequivalents per gram of said polyether polyol.

Abstract: Provided is a compound having an oxetanyl group and represented by the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a methyl group or an ethyl group and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a straight or branched chain alkyl group of 1-5 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted phenoxymethyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted phenoxypropyl group or an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl group. A process for producing the compound and a curing composition comprising the compound and a cationic polymerization initiator are also provided.

Abstract: Thus, there is provided according to the present invention polyol compositions comprising(A) a polytetramethylene ether glycol, and(B) a difunctional active hydrogen compound-initiated polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol having a degree of unsaturation of not greater than 0.04 milliequivalents per gram of said polyether polyol.

Abstract: A single-ion electrolyte achieves conductivity greater than 10.sup.-3 S/cm at 20.degree. C. by employing repeating mer units which are functionalized by fluoroalkylsulfonate groups. Preferred backbones for the electrolyte include polysiloxanes, polymethacrylates and poly(alkylene oxides). More preferred backbones have the structure ##STR1## wherein A is selected from the group consisting of C and Si such that when A is C then R.sup.4 is (CH.sub.2).sub.1-100' and when A is Si then R.sup.4 is O; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, fluorinated lower alkyl, fluorinated lower alkoxy, and fluoroalkylsulfonate; and R.sup.3 is null or selected from the group consisting of O, (O).sub.1-100, O--CH.sub.2, (O).sub.1-100 --(CH.sub.2).sub.1-100.

Abstract: Compositions containing conductivity enhancers, which are capable of being coated onto a substrate by means of electrostatic assistance. The compositions comprise one or more cationically polymerizable monomer(s), one or more cationic initiator(s), and one or more non-volatile conductivity enhancer(s) having anionic and cationic portions which are soluble in the monomer(s) and which do not interfere with cationic polymerization wherein the anionic portion is a non-coordinating carbon-containing anion. The compositions may further comprise one or more dissociation enhancing agent(s), oligomer(s) or polymer(s), preferably co-reactive, free-radically curable monomer(s), free-radical generating initiator(s), leveling agents, and other additives or adjuvants to impart specific properties to the polymerized composition.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuran/but-2-yne-1,4-diol copolymers containing C--C triple bonds and having an average molecular weight M.sub.n of from 500 to 3500 Dalton and a content of from 0.5 to 3 mol of triple bonds/mol of copolymer and blends of these copolymers with polytetrahydrofuran having an average molecular weight M.sub.n of from 500 to 3500 Dalton, processes for their preparation and their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of an ester of polyoxyalkylene glycol on an industrially favorable basis which comprises the ring opening polymerization of a cyclic ether in the presence of a carboxylic anhydride and a solid acid polymerization catalyst to obtain a polymer esterified at some or all of the ends thereof, wherein the water content in the reaction system is maintained at not more than 30 ppm by weight during the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: Synthesis of a vinyl terminated polymer by reacting a cationically polymeable monomer in the form of a cyclic ether with an acid chloride in a suitable solvent and in the presence of a Lewis acid. The vinyl-terminated polymers can be polymerized with other appropriate monomers resulting in thermoplastic elastomers having suitable properties for use as binders for explosives and propellants.

Abstract: To economically produce a polyacetal copolymer excellent in properties including thermal stability by copolymerizing trioxane as the main monomer through simple steps, a polyacetal copolymer is produced by copolymerizing trioxane as the main monomer using a nonvolatile protonic acid catalyst as a polymerization catalyst until the conversion reaches at least 60% (based on all monomers), and then vaporizing unreacted monomers to separate, remove, and recover the same from the polymerization system to thereby reduce the residual monomer content of the polymerization system to 5% by weight or lower.

Abstract: A process for the continuous and discontinuous production of tetrahydrofuran polymers by homopolymerizing tetrahydrofuran or copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran with 1,2-alkylene oxides in the presence of compounds with reactive hydrogen or carboxylic acid anhydrides on an acid-treated, calcined and granulated aluminium silicate catalyst which may consist of amorphous aluminium silicate, a zeolite or kaolin. By keeping the concentration of carboxylic acid anhydride or alkylene oxide constant below 1 wt. % in the polymerization recipe throughout the polymerization it is possible to largely prevent the formation of cyclic ethers and to obtain a polymer with a very narrow molecular weight distribution. In granular form, the catalysts exhibit a hitherto unknown activity and form polymers with a very narrow molecular weight distribution and low color and acid numbers.

Abstract: A conjugated polymer comprising repeating units of the formula (I), ##STR1## where the symbols and indices have the following meanings: .PSI. is an element of the 4th main group of the Periodic Table with the exception of carbon;D, E, F, G are identical or different and are --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --, --O--, --S--, --NR.sup.3 -- or a chemical bond;U is --CR.sup.4 .dbd.CR.sup.5 -- or a chemical bond;V is as defined for U or is --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --, --O--, --S--, --NR.sup.3 --, --SiR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --, --SO.sub.2 --, --O--, --CO--;A are identical or different and are H, a C.sub.1 --C.sub.20 -hydrocarbon radical which can also contain heteroatoms;T is --O--, --S--, --NR.sup.3 --, --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 --, --CH.dbd.N--, --CA.dbd.CA--, --CH.dbd.CA--, --CH.dbd.CF-- or --CF.dbd.CF--;K, Q are identical or different hydrocarbon radicals which can contain heteroatoms and have conjugated electron systems;M, L are H or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, Br, Cl, F, CN, NO.sub.2 or CF.sub.

Abstract: Unique, well defined polyethers containing both hydroxyl-functionality and unsaturation-functionality are prepared by oxyalkylating an unsaturated monomer having at least one oxyalkylatable hydrogen in the presence of an effective amount of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, optionally, when necessary, in the presence of a free radical polymerization inhibitor. The resulting polyethers are eminently suitable for such uses as polymer polyol stabilizers or stabilizer precursors, and both in situ and ex situ impact modifiers for thermoplastics.

Abstract: A process for the production of biodegradable aliphatic polyester particles by (co)polymerizing 2-oxetanone or a mixture containing at least 80% by weight of 2-oxetanone and up to 20% by weight of a cyclic ester or cyclic ether other than 2-oxetanone in the presence of a polymerization initiator supported on a carrier in which an ion polymerization initiator is supported on poly(2-oxetanone) in a liquid medium having a solubility parameter of about 15 to about 18 MPa.sup.1/2 and being capable of dissolving 2-oxetanone, and in a polymerizing apparatus having an internal surface formed of a material which is free of polarity or whose polarity is very small, to form a particulate aliphatic polyester; and a biodegradable aliphatic polyester melt-extrusion film, which comprises the biodegradable aliphatic polyester having a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 to 2,000,000, and having a water vapor transmission rate of 300 to 700 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 hours.multidot.25 .mu.

Abstract: Polymerizable materials that contain "oxetanes" (trimethylene oxides) shrink only slightly when polymerized in the presence of a cationic polymerization catalyst. The materials are particular appropriate for coatings and for medical and dental purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an acetal copolymer, which comprises copolymerizing trioxane with a cyclic ether in the presence of a cation-active catalyst, wherein the cyclic ether is obtained by adding to a fresh cyclic ether containing a peroxide derived therefrom in an amount of 15 ppm by weight or less in terms of hydrogen peroxide at least one sterically hindered phenol in an amount of from 10 to 500 ppm by weight, based on the weight of said fresh cyclic ether. By the method of the present invention, it has become possible not only to stably and efficiently produce an acetal copolymer having high thermal stability, but also to stably conduct a post-treatment of the obtained acetal copolymer for deactivating the remaining catalyst and changing the unstable terminals to stable terminals, so that an ultimate acetal copolymer having high thermal stability can be stably obtained.

Abstract: Electroconductive polymers having a chemical structure represented by, for example, the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent H, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl or alkoxy group, an amino group, a trihalomethyl group or a phenyl group, X represents S, O, Se, Te or NR.sub.3 R.sub.3 represents H, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl group or an aryl group, M represents a cation such as H.sup.+, an alkali metal ion or a quaternary ammonium ion, and m is 0.2 to 2 and a process for producing the polymer.

Abstract: Active energy beam-curable compositions which comprise (1) at least one compound having one oxetane ring and one hydroxyl group in the molecule, (2) at least one compound having one or more oxirane rings in the molecule and (3) at least one compound which initiates cathionic polymerization by irradiation of active energy beams, are provided. The compositions can be rapidly cured by irradiation of active energy beams, such as ultraviolet rays and electron beams, to give excellent adhesion to basic materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel multifunctional oxetanes, i.e., compounds having multiple oxetane groups, which are useful as initiators in the preparation of star polymers and polymer cascades containing energetic groups. In addition, this invention relates to a process for the preparation of star polymers and polymer cascades, whereby novel multifunctional oxetanes act as initiators in the formation of theses polymers. The reaction of these initiators with various propagating, high-energy oxetanes, such as 3,3-bis-(azidomethyl)oxetane (BAMO) and 3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane (NMMO), gives star polymers with varying molecular weights and functionalities. The star polymers and polymer cascades of the present invention are useful as binders in high-energy formulations.

Abstract: Electroconductive polymers having a chemical structure represented by, for example, the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent H, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl or alkoxy group, an amino group, a trihalomethyl group or a phenyl group, X represents S, O, Se, Te or NR.sub.3 R.sub.3 represents H, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl group or an aryl group, M represents a cation such as M.sup.+, an alkali metal ion or a quaternary ammonium ion, and m is 0.2 to 2 and a process for producing the polymer.

Abstract: Polytetrahydrofuran or polytetrahydrofuran monoesters of C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -monocarboxylic acids or polytetrahydrofuran monoethers of monohydric C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alcohols, having an average molecular weight of from 250 to 10,000 Dalton and liquid at room temperature, are prepared by the cationic polymerization of tetrahydrofuran in the presence of a telogen by a process in which tetrahydrofuran is polymerized in the presence of water, 1,4-butanediol and/or polytetrahydrofuran having an average molecular weight of from 200 to 700 Dalton and/or of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -monocarboxylic acid and/or of a monohydric C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alcohol with the aid of a catalytic amount of a zeolite catalyst which has an SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio of from 4:1 to 100:1 and in which the population ratio P of the acid centers on the external surface of the zeolite to the total number of acid centers of the zeolite is 0.03/l or more.

Abstract: A process for removing precursors, such as low boiling alkyl glycols (e.g., ethylene glycol and/or 1,2-propylene glycol), to undersirable color forming acetal impurities (e.g., 1,3 -dioxolane and 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane) from technical grade 1,4-butanediol/2-methyl-1,4-butanediol mixtures and the like by distillative topping of the diol mixture prior to ring closing cyclization to corresponding tetrahydrofuran/3-methyl tetrahydrofuran mixture and subsequent polymerization to polytetramethylene glycol ether polymers. Such a process is useful to produce THF and PTMEG having a APHA color index of nearly zero.

Abstract: A method for preparing polyether glycol is disclosed. An ester end-capped polyalkylene ether and an alcohol are subjected to alcoholysis at a temperature of 35.degree.-150.degree. C. and a pressure of 1-10 atm in the presence of a mixed metal oxide as a catalyst. The mixed metal oxide includes an alkaline earth metal oxide and at least one component selected from alumina, silica, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyoxyalkylene glycols or polyoxyalkylene glycol copolymers from polyoxyalkylene glycol formates or the formates of polyoxyalkylene glycol copolymers comprises reacting the formates of polyoxyalkylene glycols or of polyoxyalkylene glycol copolymers in the liquid phase in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst which contains, as catalytically active component, rhenium and/or at least one element from sub-group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polyether compounds obtained by the reaction or polymerization of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene in the presence of tetrahydrofuran, an acidic catalyst and a nucleophilic initiator compound. The polyether compounds comprise m units of residue (1), n units of residue (2), and p units of residue (3) wherein (i) residues (1), (2) and (3) have the structures: ##STR1## (ii) the total value of m+n+p is 5 to 70; (iii) the value of n/(m+n+p) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4, i.e.

Abstract: This invention pertains to perfluoropolyethers and perhalogenated chlorofluoropolyethers that can be prepared by fluorinating addition polymers made by polymerizing epoxides.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polyether compounds obtained by the reaction or polymerization of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene in the presence of tetrahydrofuran, an acidic catalyst and a nucleophilic initiator compound. The polyether compounds comprise m units of residue (1), n units of residue (2), and p units of residue (3) wherein (i) residues (1), (2) and (3) have the structures: ##STR1## (ii) the total value of m+n+p is 5 to 70; (iii) the value of n/(m+n+p) is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of carrying out cationic polymerization of cyclic ether monomers substituted with high-energy, electron-withdrawing pendant groups (e.g., BAMO and NMMO). Such cyclic ether monomers are polymerized with an initiator precursor (i.e., an alcohol) and boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuranate (BF.sub.3 .cndot.THF). It has been discovered that when boron trifluoride tetrahydrofuranate is used as a catalyst in the cationic polymerization of cyclic ether monomers substituted with high-energy, electron-withdrawing pendant groups (e.g., BAMO and NMMO), polymers are produced that have improved functionality and low poly-dispersity. The polymers formed using the method of the present invention are useful for forming cross-linked elastomers which, in turn, are useful for forming elastomeric binders for high-energy compositions, such as propellants, explosives, gasifiers or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel saturated polyether compounds comprised of n units of residue (1) and m units of residue (2), wherein (i) residues (1) and (2) have the structures: ##STR1## (ii) the total value of n+m is 2 to 70 and m/(n+m) is 0.05 to 0.98; (ii) at least 98 percent of the terminal hydroxyl groups of the polyether have the structure: ##STR2## The polyethers are obtained by first polymerizing 3,4-epoxy-1-butene to produce unsaturated polyether precursors comprising residues (1A) and (2A) having the structures: ##STR3## and then hydrogenating the unsaturated polyether precursors. The hydrogenation advantageously is performed in the presence of a nickel hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: 3-Azidomethyl-3-nitratomethyloxetane, a novel oxetane compound, is used as a monomer for the formation of homopolymers and copolymers with other known energetic oxetane monomers. The polyethers of the present invention can be subsequently cured to form elastomers suitable for use as energetic binders in propellant formulations or the like.

Abstract: A moldable and/or extrudable polymer which is useful for the manufacture of surgical devices such as sutures, staples, clips, etc., possesses structural units derived from a cyclic amide monomer containing oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen in the ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer in which in situ polymerization of monomers takes place in the presence of a catalyst, in which the monomers are obtained by in situ activation of precursor monomers.According to the invention a premature polymerization is avoided, but polymerization only starts at the desired moment.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polymer composition effective to bind, in a sequence-specific manner to a target sequence of a duplex polynucleotide, at least two different-oriented Watson/Crick base-pairs at selected positions in the target sequence. The composition includes an uncharged backbone with 5- or 6-membered cyclic backbone structures and selected bases attached to the backbone structures effective to hydrogen bond specifically with different oriented base-pairs in the target sequence. Also disclosed are subunits useful for the construction of the polymer composition. The present invention further includes methods for (i) coupling a first free or polymer-terminal subunit, and (ii) isolating, from a liquid sample, a target duplex nucleic acid fragment having a selected sequence of base-pairs.

Abstract: The method concerns preparing a polymer composition containing an electrically conductive polymer which is formed, in the presence of a catalyst, from polymerizable monomer units that are converted from non-polymerizable precursor monomers with the aid of a sufficiently energy-intense light source. In this method according to the invention is that the precursor monomers have a structure according to formula (I). The method according to the invention makes it possible to very easily and rapidly, and thus economically, prepare a polymer composition containing an electrically conductive polymer. Furthermore, the method according to the invention permits a polymer composition to be produced that contains an electrically conductive polymer in specifically pre-selected areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel multifunctional oxetanes, i.e., compounds having multiple oxetane groups, which are useful as initiators in the preparation of star polymers and polymer cascades containing energetic groups. In addition, this invention relates to a process for the preparation of star polymers and polymer cascades, whereby novel multifunctional oxetanes act as initiators in the formation of theses polymers. The reaction of these initiators with various propagating, high-energy oxetanes, such as 3,3-bis-(azidomethyl)oxetane (BAMO) and 3-nitratomethyl-3-methyloxetane (NMMO), gives star polymers with varying molecular weights and functionalities. The star polymers and polymer cascades of the present invention are useful as binders in high-energy formulations.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of hydroxy-terminated polymers in the 2,000-20,000 MW range suitable for use as prepolymers in curing reactions with isocyanates to produce elastomers. The process involves the continuous addition over periods of 25-50 hours of an oxirane (monoepoxide) or a mixture of an oxirane and an oxetane to a reaction mixture, consisting of stoichiometric excesses of oxonium ion-forming catalyst such as BF.sub.3 -etherate and a diol initiator dissolved in an inert solvent. Under these conditions, chain extension of the diol occurs and the formation of cyclic oligomers and other impurities is minimised. The mole ratio of the initiator to catalyst is maintained at above 10:1 to suppress the formation of cationic terminal species on the growing polymer chain.

Abstract: Polyethercyclicpolyols are prepared by thermally condensing a polyol having at least three hydroxyl groups of which at least two of the hydroxyl groups are vicinal, precursors of the glycol, cyclic derivatives of the polyol, or mixtures thereof, and controlling process conditions to avoid substantial undesirable degeneration. Lower molecular weight polyethercyclicpolyols are polycondensed with epoxy alcohols to form higher molecular weight polyethercyclicpolyols.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel oxetanes containing neopentyl difluoroamino groups. More specifically, mono- and bis-(difluoroaminomethyl)oxetanes are synthesized. These compounds are prepared by the direct fluorination of blocked neopentyl amines. These mono- and bis-(difluoroaminomethyl)oxetanes can be polymerized to form homopolymers and copolymers with load bearing polyether backbones and highly energetic pendant groups. The homopolymers and copolymers of the present invention are useful as energetic binders in high-energy formulations, such as propellants, explosives, and gasifiers.