Process for the copolymerization of carbon monoxide with an olefinically unsaturated compound

摘要

A process for the copolymerization of carbon monoxide with an olefinically unsaturated compound comprising contacting the monomers in the presence of a liquid diluent with a catalyst composition which is based on (a) a source of a Group VIII metal, (b) a bidentate ligand of the general formula R<1>R<2>M<1>-R-M<2>R<3>R<4> wherein M<1> and M<2> independently represent a phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atom, R<1>, R<2>, R<3> and R<4> independently represent unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbyl groups on the understanding that at least one of R<1>, R<2>, R<3> and R<4> represents a polar substituted aryl group and R represents a bivalent bridging group containing at least two carbon atoms in the bridge, and (c) a boron hydrocarbyl compound, with application of a stirring power transmitted to the polymerization mixture of at least 0.25 kW/m<3>.