Description

The invention relates to a catalyst system for the synthesis of polyethers, preferably having a high molecular weight (> 25.000 g/mol), wherein the catalyst system comprises an N-heterocyclic olefin (NHO) and a Lewis acid (L). The invention is further concerned with a process for the production of polyethers by ring-opening

polymerization of epoxides using the aforementioned catalyst system as well as high molecular weight polyethers having molecular weights (M _n ) of up to 500.000 g/mol and even above.

Background of the invention

Polyethers are widely employed polymers, which are utilized for example in

pharmaceutical applications, as lubricants, surfactants or as macromonomers for poly(urethane) synthesis. The most convenient, and in practical terms almost exclusively applied, way to prepare polyethers is by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of epoxide monomers. However, especially for substituted epoxides like propylene oxide (PO), established methods such as anionic ROP fail to deliver high-molecular weight polyethers as a consequence of transfer-to-monomer, which transfers the propagating chain end to a monomer, thereby limiting the molecular weight, broadening the molecular weight distribution and aggravating control over the end groups of the polymer. In addition, typical anionic polymerizations are also very slow (see Chem. Rev.2016, 116, 2170-2243). Due to these disadvantages, there is a need for selective and simple catalysts which provide fast reaction as well as high

conversion.

Past research has focused on the development of metal complexes as well as organocatalytic (metal-free) approaches for this task. For example, the scientific publication Macromol. Chem. Phys.2003, 204, 1102-1109 discloses the

polymerization of PO in the presence of phosphazenium salts and potassium alkoxide initiators. Albeit monomer conversion was found to be more rapid than when only potassium alkoxide was employed, transfer-to-monomer remained pervasive and the number-average molecular weight (M _n ) was limited to 3,000 - 4,000 g/mol.

A series of publications has demonstrated the application of N-heterocyclic carbenes as organocatalysts for ethylene oxide (EO) and PO (J. Am. Chem. Soc.2009, 131, 3201- 3209; Macromolecules 2010, 43, 2814-2823; Chem. Commun., 2010, 46, 3203- 3205). With these compounds poly(EO) with an M _n up to 12,000 g/mol was accessible. Poly(PO) could also be prepared, albeit with very limited conversion (40%) and a lower molar mass of the resulting polyether (M _n up to 8,000 g/mol).

Application of N-heterocyclic olefins instead of N-heterocyclic carbenes (in the absence of Lewis acids) resulted in improved conversion of PO to provide a well-defined polymer ( Angew . Chem. Int. Ed.2015, 54, 9550-9554); the obtained M _n , however, remained relatively low with up to 12,000 g/mol.

ChemCatChem, 2014, 6, 618-625 discloses the application of carbon dioxide-adducts with N-heterocyclic carbenes as catalysts for the polymerization of PO. The process was found to be slow, yielding only low-molecular weight poly(PO) (M _n < 2,000 g/mol).

Similarly, US 2015/197599 (Al) describes the N-heterocyclic carbene-mediated polymerization of PO, resulting however only in low-molecular weight material as determined by viscosity data.

Inorg. Chim. Act., 2004, 357, 3911-3919 discloses a combination of titanium

alcoholates (Ti(Oi Pr) ₄ ) and B(C6F ₅ )3 as a polymerization system with high turnover frequency for PO. Unfortunately, the reactions only delivered PPO with M _n < 3,000 g/mol.

The publication Macromolecules 1981, 14, 1162-1166 discloses the application of aluminium porphyrins for the polymerization of epoxides. In this case, controlled synthesis of block-copolymers was possible, but the received polyether displayed limited molecular weight (M _n < 20,000 g/mol).

The same group also showed that a setup consisting of organoboranes and aluminium- based Lewis acids performs somewhat better, and provided poly(PO) with an M _n of up to about 10,000 g/mol (see Macromolecules 2003, 36, 5470-5481).

Di- and mononuclear aluminium complexes with piperidyl-phenolato ligands were investigated for the polymerization of PO and cyclohexene oxide (CHO) in scientific publication Inorg. Chem. 2016, 55, 6520-6524. These compounds showed moderate control over the polymerizations, with M _n up to 12,000 g/mol for poly(CHO) and 4,500 g/mol for poly(PO).

Another set of bimetallic aluminium complexes was disclosed by Okuda and co-workers (see Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2003, 42, 64-68), achieving poly(PO) with M _n up to 4,000 g/mol.

Triisobutylaluminium (AI(iBu)3) was combined with several co-catalysts/initiators and presented in a series of scientific publications ( Macromolecules 2004, 37, 4038-4043; Macromolecules 2007, 40, 7842-7847; Macromolecules 2009, 42, 2395-2400; Polym. Chem. 2012, 3, 1189-1195). Depending on the specific setup, poly(PO) could be prepared with typically M _n in the range of 20,000 - 80,000 g/mol. The polymerization mechanism is thought to operate via so-called "ate complexes", with the best results originating from the application of onium salts as co-catalysts/initiators. At very low temperatures, in some cases the polymerizations remained controlled and provided poly(PO) with a M _n up to 100,000 g/mol.

A group of chiral, bimetallic Co(III) catalysts was disclosed by Coates and co-workers ( Macromolecules 2011, 44, 5666-5670); these compounds deliver poly(PO) of up to 100,000 - 150,000 g/mol in short reaction times, albeit only in the presence of an ionic co-catalyst (bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium acetate). The resulting polyether is isotactic, with moderate control over polydispersity (DM = 1.8 - 3.1).

The application of a Grignard-type reagent, Mg(nBu)2, was demonstrated to result in poly(PO), whereby molar masses of up to 65,000 g/mol and considerable isoselectivity were achieved ( Macromolecules 2017, 50, 1245-1250). Molar mass distribution was moderately controlled (DM = 1.6 - 2.3).

JP 03281529 A discloses the application of double metallocyanide catalysts for PO polymerization, providing polyethers with M _n of about 10,000 g/mol; similarly, double metal cyanide catalysts and their use for polymerization of PO are described in e.g. US 3278457, US 3278458, US 3278459, US 3427256, US 3427334 and US 3427335. In these documents, only viscosity data was published, indicating that the molecular weight of the products was low.

Zinc alkoxide catalysts were disclosed in EP 0239973 for the polymerization of cyclic alkylene oxides, albeit no molecular weights were published.

JP 2002293915 discloses a composition for PO polymerization, consisting of a crown ether, an alkali metal alkoxide or an alkali metal hydroxide or a trialkylsilanolate alkali metal salt and a trialkylaluminium/triarylaluminium compound in a specific ratio. After long reaction times (one week), poly(PO) with a molecular weight of up to 60,000 g/mol was received, with moderate control over polydispersity (DM = 1.4 - 2.1).

JP 11255884 discloses a mixture of an organoaluminium compound, water, a chelating agent, a dihydroxy initiator and PO. In a multistep preparation, the active catalyst is generated from these ingredients, followed by addition of PO. Within 24 h poly(PO) is then prepared, with M _n up to 790,000 g/mol.

WO 99/55765 A1 discloses a catalyst composition of calcium with carbonate and alkanoate counter ions. With this setup, polyether polyols with molecular weights of up to 20,000 g/mol were obtained.

The scientific publications Macromolecules 2018, 51, 8286 and ChemSusChem 2018, DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201802258 describe a combination of triethyl borane and

phosphazene bases for PO polymerization in the presence of alcohol initiators.

Molecular weights of up to M _n = 200,000 g/mol are described.

The prior art mainly discloses the preparation of low- to intermediate-molecular weight polyethers; any reports of high molar mass polyether are limited to 800,000 g/mol (JP 11255884) or < 200,000 g/mol (all other examples), in clear contrast to the present invention. In addition, the catalytic systems of the prior art are either expensive (chiral bimetallic catalysts) or require impracticable conditions (very low temperatures, long reaction times, pyrophoric co-catalysts like aluminium alkyls). No prior publications detail the preparation of high-molecular weight PPO (> 200,000 g/mol) in the absence of hydroxyl -bearing initiators, also in contrast to the present invention.

The objective of the present invention was thus to identify an optimized and simple catalyst system for the synthesis of polyethers via ROP of epoxides, wherein the catalyst system should be characterized by a high reactivity (regarding TOF and TON), whereby practicable reaction conditions are applied. Furthermore, the system should also display a high selectivity, suppressing transfer-to-monomer and hence enabling exceptionally high molecular weights.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the problem can be solved by a catalyst system which comprises N-heterocyclic olefins and simple Lewis acids (L), enabling for reaction times down to few minutes, whereby molar masses of the generated polyether can be tailored to be in excess of 2 Mio g/mol.

Description of the invention:

In a first embodiment, the present application is therefore directed at a composition comprising at least one epoxide monomer and a catalyst system, wherein the catalyst system comprises an N-heterocyclic olefin (NHO) and a Lewis acid (L).

NHOs possess a highly polarized, catalytically active double bond ( Angew . Chem. Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 3210 -3214; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 11996- 12003; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 9550-9554). This polarization is generated by the tendency of the N-heterocyclic ring moiety to accept a positive (partial) charge; the electron excess is thus located on the exocyclic carbon and engenders a considerable basicity and nucleophilicity which can be employed for catalyzing polymerizations.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises a catalyst system comprising a mixture of the N-heterocyclic olefin having the general formula (I) and the Lewis acid (L),

wherein A and D mutually independently represent methylene moiety, CHR^, and CR ₄ R ₄ or A and D together stand for a moiety from the series ethylene, propylene, butylene, 1,2-phenylene, R ₄ ON-, -N=N- or C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl, C ₃ -C ₁₂ cycloalkyl, C ₆ -C ₁₀₀ polyoxyalkylene, C ₅ -C ₁₀ aryl or C ₅ -C ₁₀ hetaryl group-substituted 1,2- phenylene, -CH = N-, -CH2-NR4-, vinylene, -CH ₂ =CHR ₄ -, -CHR ₄ =CH ₂ -, -CHR ₄ =CHR ₄ -; Ri and R mutually independently represent Ci-Cio alkyl, C2-C1 ₀ alkenyl, C ₃ -C12 cycloalkyl, C ₆ -C1 ₀₀ polyoxyalkylene, C ₅ -C1 ₀ aryl or C ₅ -C1 ₀ heteroaryl, wherein the C ₅ -C1 ₀ aryl or C ₅ -C ₁₀ heteroaryl may be further substituted;

R2 and R ₃ mutually independently represent H, C1-C1 ₀ alkyl, C2-C1 ₀ alkenyl, C ₃ -C12 cycloalkyl, C ₆ -C1 ₀₀ polyoxyalkylene, C ₅ -C1 ₀ aryl or C ₅ -C1 ₀ heteroaryl, wherein the C ₅ -C1 ₀ aryl or C ₅ -C ₁₀ heteroaryl may be further substituted; and wherein E is -0-, -S-, -NR ₅ - or -PR ₅ , and R ₅ has the meaning given above for Ri.

If the C ₅ -C ₁₀ aryl or C ₅ -C ₁₀ heteroaryl mentioned above as an alternative for Ri to R is further substituted, the further substituent is preferably an alkyl- and more preferably a Ci- ₆ -alkyl substituent. Moreover, the substituted C ₅ -C ₁₀ aryls or C ₅ -C ₁₀ heteroaryls preferably have 1 to 3 substituents.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, Ri and R in the N-heterocyclic olefin of the formula (I) are mutually independent and represent methyl, ethyl, n- propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, neopentyl, isoamyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, 2,6- dimethylphenyl, 2,6-diisopropylphenyl or mesityl moiety; R ₂ and R ₃ are mutually independent and represent H, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, tert- butyl, neopentyl, isoamyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2,6- diisopropylphenyl or mesityl moiety; and the moieties A and D together stand for an ethylene, vinylene or propylene moiety. For this embodiment, it is more preferred that Ri and R are mutually independent and represent methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tertbutyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl or mesityl moieties; wherein R ₂ and R ₃ mutually independently represent H, methyl, ethyl or phenyl moieties.

In a yet even more preferred embodiment of the invention, the /V-heterocyclic olefin is one or more compounds having the formulae (II-l), (II-2), (II-3), (II-4), (II-5), (II-6), (II-7), (II-8), (II-9), (11-10), (11-11), (11-12), (11-13) and (11-14) shown below. The term "Lewis acid" is used according to the definition given by IUPAC as a molecular entity (and the corresponding chemical species) that is an electron-pair acceptor and thus able to react with a Lewis base to form a Lewis adduct (regular, interacting or frustrated), by sharing the electron density provided by the Lewis base. Hence, the Lewis acid catalyst can occur as a metal ion or a metal ion complex within this definition.

The Lewis acid in the catalyst system of the invention regularly comprises a metal ion and a Lewis base as a "counter ion" or "ligand". The metal ion in the Lewis acid is preferably a metal ion or a metal ion complex selected from or comprising

Li(I), Na(I), K(I), Rb(I), Cs(I), Ag(I), Au(I),

Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), Ba(II), Dy(II), Yb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), V(II), Mo(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Ge(II), Sn(II),

Sc(III), Y(III), La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III), Tm(III), Yb(III), Lu(III), Hf(III), Nb(III), Ta(III), Cr(III), Ru(III), Os(III), Rh(III), Ir(III), AI(III), Ga(III), In(III), TI(III), Ge(III),

Ce(IV), Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Nb(IV), Mo(IV), W(IV), Ir(IV), Pt(IV), Sn(IV), Pb(IV),

Nb(V), Ta(V), P(V), Sb(V), Bi(V),

Mo(VI), W(VI). If the Lewis acid comprises a ligand, the ligand is preferably selected from phosphine, phosphite, arsenite, alkyl, acetylacetonate or bis(tria Ikylsi lyl)am ide. The ligand may be coordinated to vacant coordination sites at the metal, whereby at least one coordination site remains available for binding of another Lewis base. The coordination site for binding of other Lewis bases may also be created in the reaction mixture, e.g., by dissociation of a weakly coordinating ligand.

Preferred counter-anions for the metal ion are anions, which are weakly coordinating to the metal ion or metal ion complex. Exemplary anions are selected from the group comprising chloride, bromide, iodide, tetrafluoroborate,

bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide, [((Si(R ^' )3)2N], [B(R')4]-, [AI(R' ]-, [Ga(R' ]-,

[In(R')4]-, wherein R' represents hydrogen, a linear or branched, optionally

heteroatom-including Ci- to C22-alkyl rest, a linear or branched, mono- or

polysubstituted, optionally heteroatom-including Ci- to C22-alkenyl rest, a mono- or polysubstituted, optionally heteroatom-including C6- to C18-aryl rest or member(s) of a saturated or unsaturated, optionally heteroatom-including 4- to 7-membered ring or polycyclic system.

Especially preferred "counter ions" and "ligands" in the catalyst systems in the composition of the invention are bromide, iodide, tetraphenylborate,

hexafluorophosphate, triflate (trifluoromethanesulfonate), bis(trimethylsily)amide, bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide, and tosylate (p-tolylsulfonate).

In another preferred embodiment, the catalyst system in the composition of the invention comprises a Lewis acid selected from one or more compound(s) selected from the group consisting of LiX, NaX, KX, MgX2, CaX2 (X = Cl, Br, I), Mg(BPhi4) ₂ , Mg(BF ₄ ) _2, Mg[CF ₃ S0 ₃ ]2, Mg[N(S0 ₂ CF ₃ ) ₂ ]2, Mg[N(Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ ) ₂ ] ₂ , Li[N(Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ ) ₂ ],

Na[N(Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ ) ₂ ], and K[N(Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ ) ₂ ] From among these, Mg[N(Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ ) ₂ ] ₂ is most preferred.

As concerns the molar ratio of the Lewis acid to the N-heterocyclic olefin, the catalyst system in the composition of the invention is not particularly limited. Preferably, however, the molar ratio of the Lewis acid to the N-heterocyclic olefin is in the range from 1 : 50 to 50 : 1, more preferably in the range from 1 : 20 to 20 : 1, and even more preferably in the range from 1 : 5 to 5 : 1.

The epoxide monomer and preferred embodiments thereof are described in the following in connection with the inventive process.

As indicated above, the catalyst systems in the composition of the invention are particularly effective for the production of polyethers by ring-opening of (substituted) epoxide monomers. Therefore, another embodiment of the invention is directed at a process for the production of polyethers, wherein an epoxide compound (or "epoxide monomer") is reacted in the presence of a catalyst system as described above, i.e. a catalyst system, which is based on a combination of a N- heterocyclic olefin and a Lewis acid (L).

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention the epoxide compound comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 4- tert-butylphenyl glycidyl ether, phenyl glycidyl ether, 1-naphthyl glycidyl ether, 2- naphthyl glycidyl ether, 4-chlorophenyl glycidyl ether, 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl glycidyl ether, 2,4,6-tribromophenyl glycidyl ether, pentafluorophenyl glycidyl ether, cyclohexyl glycidyl ether, benzyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl benzoate, glycidyl acetate, glycidyl cyclohexylcarboxylate, methyl glycidyl ether, ethyl glycidyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether, hexyl glycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, CIO - C18 alkyl glycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, styrene oxide, 1,2- butene oxide, 2,3-butene oxide, 1,2-hexene oxide, oxides of CIO - C18 alpha-olefins, cyclohexene oxide, vinylcyclohexene monoxide, limonene monoxide, butadiene monoepoxide and/or 4-tert-butylphenyl glycidyl ether

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the epoxide compound is selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, hexylene oxide, styrene oxide, isobutylene oxide and cyclohexene oxide. Most preferred as epoxide compound are ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide.

Concerning the molar ratio of epoxide compound to the Lewis acid (L) in the catalyst system, the invention is not particularly limited, except that the molar amount of the Lewis acid (L) should be significantly (i.e. at least 5 times) lower than the molar amount of the epoxide compound. Preferably, the molar ratio of epoxide compound to the Lewis acid (L) is at least about 200 : 1, more preferably at least about 250 : 1 and most preferable at least about 500 : 1.

Since it has been observed that in ring opening reactions of epoxides a lower molar amount of NHO relative to the Lewis acid is sufficient to provide an adequately fast reaction, it is further preferred that the molar ratio of Lewis acid to NHO is more than 1 : 1, more preferably at least about 2.5 : 1 and most preferably about 5 : 1.

The process according to the invention is performed either in bulk monomer or in non- protic solvents.

Suitable non-protic solvents are for example linear or branched alkanes or mixtures of alkanes, toluene, xylene and the isomeric xylene mixtures, mesitylene, mono- or polysubstituted halogenated aromatic solvents or halogenated alkane solvents, for example chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, linear or cyclic ether such as tetrahydrofurane (THF) or methyl -tert- butylether (MTBE) or higher ether of the repeating unit R'-(CH ₂ CH ₂ 0) _n -R with n> l where R and R' display a aliphatic moiety like methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, 2-propyl, n- butyl, 2-butyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, linear or cyclic ester, or polar aprotic solvents such as 1,4-dioxane, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), sulfolane or mixtures of the above mentioned solvents and/or with other solvents. Preferred non-protic solvents are pentane, toluene, THF and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene.

The reaction of the epoxide compound may be carried out in a continuous process, in a batch process or in a semi-batch process.

In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the process is carried out continuously. That means in this continuous process the epoxide compound, the catalyst combination and, if required, the solvent are continuously added whereas a part of the reaction mixture is continuously removed from the reactor. A residence time reactor may be added after the continuous reactor in order to complete the reaction.

In an alternative embodiment, the process according to the invention is carried out as a batch process. In this batch process the epoxide monomer, the catalyst combination, and if necessary the solvent are charged in a reactor and the reaction runs until full conversion is obtained.

In a yet alternative embodiment, the process according to the invention is carried out as a semi-batch process. In the semi-batch process, the epoxide compound is preferably mixed with a catalyst and optionally a solvent in a reactor and further epoxide monomer is continuously added to the reaction as pure material or in solution.

The reaction temperature is not subject to any relevant restrictions, except that the temperature should be high enough to provide for a sufficiently fast conversion. As a suitable reaction temperature, a range of -50°C to 100°C can be mentioned.

Preferably, the reaction temperature is in the range from -35°C to 60°C, more preferably in the range from 0°C to 25°C.

A suitable reaction time for the process of the invention is for example 0.05 to 120 hours, preferably 0.25 to 48 hours, and more preferred 0.5 to 24 hours. The reaction time is the time wherein the epoxide, the catalyst system and the solvent are in direct contact at the reaction temperature. In an embodiment, the process according to the invention further comprises a step of isolating the polyether from the reaction mixture, and heating and pressing the polyether into a desired shape.

A yet further embodiment of the invention is directed at polyethers, which are obtainable by or obtained from the polymerization of an epoxide monomer in the presence of the above described catalyst system, wherein the number average molecular weights, M _n , of the polyether is preferentially > 25,000 g/mol, more preferred > 100,000 g/mol, yet even more preferred > 500,000 g/mol and even more preferred > 800,000 g/mol, as determined with gel permeation chromatography (GPC), wherein the GPC method corresponds to the system disclosed in the experimental part. In the most preferred embodiment, the M _n of the polyether is > 900,000 g/mol. In addition, or in alternative thereto, the polyethers have polydispersities (= M _w /M _n ) in the range of 1 to 3, preferably 1.1 to 2.5 and even more preferably 1.15 to 2.2.

If the polyether comprises units derived from more than one precursor monomer, the distribution of the monomers may be block-like, gradient, or fully random.

As indicated above, the catalyst systems described herein are particularly useful for the production of high molecular weight polyethers, but are similarly useful for other applications as well. Therefore, another embodiment is directed at a catalyst system as described above, which comprises an N-heterocyclic olefin and a Lewis acid (L).

Preferred embodiments of such catalyst systems are the same as described above for the inventive compositions. However, in a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the catalyst system comprises an N-heterocyclic olefin and a Lewis acid (L), wherein the Lewis acid comprises a metal ion and a weakly coordinating anion selected from the group comprising tetrafluoroborate, bis(trifIuoromethane)suIfonimide,

[((Si(R ^' )3)2N], [B(R')4]-, [AI(R ]-, [Ga(R')4]-, [In(R' ]-, wherein R' represents hydrogen, a linear or branched, optionally heteroatom-including Ci- to C22-alkyl rest, a linear or branched, mono- or polysubstituted, optionally heteroatom-including Ci- to C22-alkenyl rest, a mono- or polysubstituted, optionally heteroatom-including C6- to C18-aryl rest or member(s) of a saturated or unsaturatedoptionally heteroatom- including 4- to 7-membered ring or polycyclic system. In this embodiment, the metal ion is preferably selected from Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca. In addition, the weakly

coordinating anion is preferably not C ₆ F ₅ .

In an even more preferred embodiment, the inventive catalyst system contains a Lewis acid with a metal is selected from Na, K, Mg, and Ca and a weakly coordinating anion selected from bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide and [((Si(R ^' )3)2N].A yet further embodiment of the invention is directed at the use of a catalyst system as described above for the production of a polyether, wherein the polyether is regularly produced by ring-opening of more than one type of epoxide monomers in the presence of the inventive catalyst system as described above. Preferably, in this use the M _n of the polyethers produced is > 25,000 g/mol, more preferred > 100,000 g/mol and even more preferred > 500,000 g/mol, as determined with gel permeation chromatography (GPC), wherein the GPC method corresponds to the system disclosed in the

experimental part.

Yet further embodiments of the present invention are directed at processes for the preparation of polyethers by ring-opening of more than one type of epoxide monomers in the presence of the inventive catalyst system, where at least one of the epoxide monomers contains a functional group other than the epoxy group, as well as polyether obtainable form such a process. Functional groups other than the epoxy group include e.g. vinyl groups such as in allyl glycidyl ether. The polyether thus obtained may have a block-like, gradient, or fully random monomer distribution. The functional groups within the polymer allow for further post-treatment, especially cross-linking. Also for this embodiment, the M _n of the polyether is preferentially > 25,000 g/mol, more preferred > 100,000 g/mol and even more preferred > 500,000 g/mol, as determined with gel permeation chromatography (GPC), wherein the GPC method corresponds to the system disclosed in the experimental part.

The process according to the invention is suited for the synthesis of polyethers with interesting properties for use, for example, as pharmaceutics, drug-delivery agents, medical gels or low-temperature duty rubbers.

Polyethers obtained by the method according to the invention are particularly suited as polymer building blocks in polyurethane chemistry. For example, OFI-terminated polyethers may be reacted with isocyanates to form foams or other "soft-segment" polyurethanes. The high molecular weight polyethers as described herein are further useful as transparent, temperature-stable materials, which can be used both at demanding low and high temperatures. The polyethers are further especially suited for use as lubricants, surfactants and solvents.

Further possible uses of the polyethers according to the invention include for example:

Lubricants, suitable for low- and high-temperature application.

Surfactants, including for washing applications, anti-foaming agents in technical and food applications Rheology modifiers

Plasticizers, softening additives for polymer blends Anti-freeze agents

Structure-directing agents in self-assembly processes, for example for the preparation of mesoporous materials

Damping materials, rubber and rubber-like materials

Medical gels, especially injectable gels

Solid or semi-solid electrolytes in electrochemical devices, such as lithium-ion or lithium-sulphur batteries - Thermally conductive formulations for thermal management applications like heatsinks.

Food contact applications (coatings, emulsifiers)

Lubricating coating for surfaces in aqueous and non-aqueous environments

Excipient in pharmaceutical applications, also as drug-delivery agent - Stationary phase in (gas) chromatography

Preservation applications, including wood

Solvent for chemical reactions, or solvent for ink in printers

Polyols, for example for polyurethane production

Preparation of micelle- and /or polymersome-containing solutions - Cosmetic applications, including as basis of creams or as dispersants in

toothpaste

Membranes Binder for ceramics production

The present invention will be further described with reference to the following examples without wishing to be limited by them.

Examples The following materials were used in the Examples:

Epoxide compound

PO Propylene oxide, obtained from TCI (> 99%).

BO Butylene oxide, obtained from TCI (> 99%). AGE Allyl glycidylether, obtained from Sigma Aldrich.

AGE, PO and BO were dried over Cah , distilled under nitrogen and degassed (freeze- pump-thaw), prior to storing inside a glove box (N ₂ , -35°C).

Lewis acid (L)

Mg(HMDS) ₂ Magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide), either obtained commercially from

Sigma Aldrich (97%) or prepared according to the procedure published in Inorg. Chem. 1991, 30, 96-101.

KHMDS Potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (= potassium hexamethyldisilazide), obtained from Sigma Aldrich (95%). Mg(TfSI)2 Magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide), obtained from Sigma

Aldrich.

Lewis acids (L) were used as received and stored under nitrogen inside the glove box. N-heterocyclic olefins III-l Prepared according to Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 9550 -9554

III-2 Prepared according to Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2013, 2013, 2301-2314

III-3 Prepared according to Polym. Chem., 2018, 9, 3674-3683

NHOs were prepared as indicated above and likewise stored inside the glove box freezer (-35°C). Solvents

Pentane was dried using a solvent purification system (SPS) by MBraun and stored inside a glove box under protective gas and over molecular sieve.

Molecular sieves (3 A, Honeywell) were activated in a vacuum oven at 130°C for 24 h prior to use. The reactions were accomplished according to the below reaction scheme:

Lewis acid

PO (solvent) poly(PO)

Characterisation of polyethers

^J H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis was employed to investigate

conversion. NMR (400 MHz, 300 K): NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance III 400 spectrometer, with the chemical shifts being reported relative to reference peaks of the applied deuterated solvents (CDCI3: d = 7.26/77.16 ppm for proton and carbon spectra, respectively).

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to determine molecular weight (number average molecular weight, M _n ) and polydispersity (M _w /M _n ). GPC (CHC , 40 °C): A chromatographic assembly comprising a PSS SDV 5 pm 8*50mm guard column, three PSS SDV 100 000 A 5 pm 8*50mm columns and an Agilent 1200 Series G1362A detector (RI) was employed. The concentration of the prepared samples amounted to 2.5 mg/mL, and a flow-rate of 1 mL/min was applied during the analyses. Polystyrene standards were used for calibration. Reactor

Small scale reactions at -35°C were conducted in 4 ml. glass vials equipped with a magnetic stirring bar and sealed with a cap; the vial was placed on a magnetic stirrer inside the glove box freezer. Reactions at RT and at 60°C (oil bath) were conducted in sealable glass reactors ("pressure tubes") with 25 ml. or 50 ml. nominal volume. All reactions were conducted under nitrogen, with a moisture-free atmosphere.

Table 1 : Summary of examples for the synthesis of polyethers via ring-opening polymerization of epoxides using the inventive catalyst system.

Example 1:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.0625 mmol, 5 eq.) and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined, resulting in a [PO] of 5 mol/l, and stirred at -35°C for 4 h. The solution became noticeably viscous during this time. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 2:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.25 mmol, 20 eq.) and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at -35°C for 24 h. The solution became noticeably viscous during this time; stirring was not possible any more. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 3:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.125 mmol, 10 eq.) and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at -35°C for 53 h. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis. Example 4:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.125 mmol, 10 eq.) and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at -35°C for 81 h. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 5:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (62.5 mmol, 5000 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.25 mmol, 20 eq.) and PO (62.5 mmol, 2500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at -35°C for 76 h. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 6:

Two separate solutions were prepared at room temperature: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-2 and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.0625 mmol, 5 eq.) and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at RT for 48 h. The solution became noticeably viscous during this time; stirring was not possible any more. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 7:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-2 and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.25 mmol, 20 eq.) and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at -35°C for 141 h. The solution became noticeably viscous during this time; stirring was not possible any more. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 8:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-3 and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.0625 mmol, 5 eq.) and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined, resulting in a [PO] of 5 mol/l, and stirred at -35°C for 96 h. The solution became noticeably viscous during this time. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 9:

Two separate solutions were prepared at room temperature: one solution containing 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.), the other containing Mg(TfSI)2 (0.0625 mmol, 5 eq.) and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.); the reaction was conducted solvent-free. Both solutions were then combined and stirred at room temperature for 96 h. The solution became noticeably viscous during this time. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 10:

Two separate solutions were prepared at room temperature: one solution containing 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.), the other containing KHMDS (0.0625 mmol, 5 eq.) and PO (6.25 mmol, 500 eq.); the reaction was conducted solvent-free. Both solutions were then combined and stirred at room temperature for 72 h. The solution became slightly viscous during this time. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis. A bimodal distribution was found.

Example 11:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-2 and PO (25 mmol, 2000 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.25 mmol, 20 eq.) and PO (25 mmol, 2000 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at -35°C for 96 h. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by

evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 12:

Two separate solutions were prepared and cooled to -35°C: one solution containing pentane, 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.), the other containing pentane, Mg(HMDS)2 (0.0375 mmol, 2.5 eq.) and PO (31.25 mmol, 2500 eq.). Both solutions were then combined and stirred at -35°C for 384 h. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 13:

To PO in the bulk (62.5 mmol, 5000 eq.), 0.0125 mmol NHO III-2 and Mg(HMDS)2 (0.25 mmol, 20 eq.) was added. The solution was stirred at RT for 2 h, during which time the solution became noticeably viscous until stirring was not possible any more. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 14:

To BO in the bulk (12.5 mmol, 1000 eq.), 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and Mg(HMDS)2 (0.0625 mmol, 5 eq.) was added. The solution was stirred at -35°C for 72 h, during which time the solution became noticeably viscous until stirring was not possible any more. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 15:

To BO in the bulk (12.5 mmol, 1000 eq.), 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and Mg(HMDS)2 (0.25 mmol, 20 eq.) was added. The solution was stirred at 60°C for 2 h, during which time the solution became noticeably viscous. A sample was withdrawn for

determination of conversion via *H NMR, then the reaction was quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gel ly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.

Example 16:

To allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) in the bulk (12.5 mmol, 1000 eq.), 0.0125 mmol NHO III-l and Mg(HMDS)2 (0.0625 mmol, 20 eq.) was added. The solution was stirred at RT for 30 minutes, during which time the solution became noticeably viscous following an exothermic reaction. A sample was withdrawn for determination of conversion via NMR, the reaction was then quenched by evaporation, removing excess PO and the solvent. The clear, gelly residue was then subjected to GPC analysis.