Copolymerization of carbon dioxide with propylene oxide catalyzed by O-methylated or crosslinked poly(p-hydroxystyrene)/diethylzinc system

Effective catalysts for the copolymerization of CO2 with 1,2-epoxypropane were prepared from partially O-methylated or crosslinked poly[1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene] and Zn(C2H5)2. The highest activity was obtained with catalysts of 30 to 40% methylation or crosslinking. Inactivation of the catalysts during the copolymerization was decreased by crosslinking, increasing the yield of the copolymer. The higher rigidity of the catalyst structure is responsible for its higher activity and stability.