PURPOSE: To prepare a copolymer of carbon monoxide with an olefinically unsaturated compounds.
CONSTITUTION: Carbon monoxide and an olefinically unsaturated compound (e.g.; ethylene or propylene) are copolymerized at a monomer ratio of 5:1 to 1:2 in the presence of a catalyst composition containing a Group-VIII metal (a composition comprising a palladium compound and anions of an acid having a phosphorus didentate ligand and a pka of less than 6) at a temperature of 50-100°C and a pressure of 30-100 bar to obtain the copolymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 1-2.5 dl/g. The copolymer thus produced is brought into contact with a liquid in which an upto 8C mono-, di- or tri-carboxylic acid or a zinc, aluminum or magnesium salt thereof is contained in an solvent (e.g. upto 3C alcohol such as methanol) to wash the copolymer, followed by further washing the copolymer by bringing it into contact with the solvent.
HERITSUTO HERARUDEYUSU ROOSENB
PETERU RIHITERUSU
