The Dow Chemical Company

Philip W McGraw

Robert H Whitmarsh

Paul E Cranley

Eldon L Ward

George A Doorakian

Robert Carswell

Lawrence G Duquette

Raymond A Plepys

Randall C Rains

Thomas J Appleman

Michael W Edens

The invention is a high molecular weight polyether polyol prepared by the reaction of one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen compounds with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst comprising calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C alkanoate in a solvent or dispersant which does not contain active hydrogen atoms. The polyether polyol prepared preferably has an equivalent weight of from about 1000 to about 20,000, a polydispersity of 1.3 or less and a residual catalyst level of from about 0 to about 2000 parts per million (ppm). In another embodiment the invention is a process for preparing such high molecular weight polyether polyols. The process comprises first, contacting one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen atoms with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst comprises calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C alkanoate in a solvent, wherein the solvent does not contain active hydrogen atoms. The mixture is exposed to conditions at which the alkylene oxides react with the compound containing more than one active hydrogen atoms such that a polyether polyol is prepared which has an equivalent weight of from about 1,000 to about 20,000, a polydispersity of about 1.3 or less and a residual catalyst level of from about 0 to about 1000 (ppm).

High molecular weight polyols, process for preparation and use thereof

The invention is a high molecular weight polyether polyol prepared by the reaction of one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen compounds with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst comprising calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C alkanoate in a solvent or dispersant which does not contain active hydrogen atoms. The polyether polyol prepared preferably has an equivalent weight of from about 10,000 to about 30,000, a polydispersity of 1.3 or less and a residual catalyst level of from more than 0 to about 2000 parts per million (ppm). In another embodiment the invention is a process for preparing such high molecular weight polyether polyols. The process comprises first, contacting one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen atoms with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst comprises calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C alkanoate in a solvent, wherein the solvent does not contain active hydrogen atoms. The mixture is exposed to conditions at which the alkylene oxides react with the compound containing more than one active hydrogen atoms such that a polyether polyol is prepared which has an equivalent weight of from about 10,000 to about 30,000, a polydispersity of about 1.3 or less and a residual catalyst level of from more than 0 to about 2,000 (ppm).

The invention is a high molecular weight polyether polyol prepared by the reaction of one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen compounds with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst comprising calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C,alkanoate in a solvent or dispersant which does not contain active hydrogen atoms. The polyether polyol prepared preferably has an equivalent weight of from about,to about,a polydispersity of about,or less and a residual catalyst level of from about,to about,parts per million (ppm).

A refrigeration fluid compositions for compression refrigeration which have an upper solution critical temperature equal to or greater than 60.degree. C. are composed of (A) selected hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons and (B) polyether polyols having viscosities of greater than 80 centistokes at 38.degree. C. and having a number average molecular weight from about 400 to about 2000 wherein the polyols are the residue of an active hydrogen compound such as glycerine or ethylene diamine.

Polyglycol lubricants for refrigeration compressors

Refrigeration fluid compositions for compression refrigeration which have an upper solution critical temperature equal to or greater than about 35.degree. C. are composed of selected hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons with esterified polyether polyols in which at least 30% of the hydroxyls are esterified. The esterified polyether polyols have a viscosity between 25 and 150 centistokes at 38.degree. C.

Esterified polyglycol lubricants for refrigeration compressors

Lubricant base compositions for compression refrigeration are composed of 95 to 5% by weight of polyether polyols having a number average molecular weight from about 400 to about 5000 and 5 to 95% of esters made from polyhydric alcohols with alkanoic acids or esters made from alkanedioic acids with alkanols. A refrigeration fluid is made from the base composition with the addition of selected hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons so that the base composition is miscible with the refrigerant in the range from -20.degree. C. to greater than 65.degree. C.

Lubricants for refrigeration compressors

Synthetic lubricants comprising 15 to 45 weight percent of an ester of a monohydric alcohol of 4 to 18 carbon atoms with one or more aromatic or alkane dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 18 carbon atoms blended with 85 to 55 weight percent of one or more polyether polyols having a number average molecular weight from about 400 to 5000. The blends are compounded with antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and metal deactivators to produce a superior lubricant for reciprocating air compressors which gives a long life to the compressors.

Lubricants for reciprocating air compressors

Synthetic lubricants comprising 15 to 45 weight percent of an ester of a hindered polyhydric alcohol having 3 to 8 hydroxy groups and 5 to 10 carbon atoms with one or more alkanoic acids having 4 to 18 carbon atoms blended with 85 to 55 weight percent of one or more polyether polyol having an number average molecular weight from about 400 to 5000. The blends are compounded with antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and metal deactivators to produce a superior lubricant for rotary screw compressors that has a long life.

Rotary screw compressor lubricants

Compounds of formulas I and II are heat-activated catalysts used in making polyurethanes. ##STR1## wherein R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are each independently H, hydrocarbyl or an inertly-substituted hydrocarbyl; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently hydrocarbyl or an inertly-substituted hydrocarbyl; and X is an anion. Upon heating, Compounds I and II catalyze the reaction and may release gaseous by-products which cause the resulting polyurethane compound to foam. For example, the catalyst, t-butyl imidazole-N-carboxylate, when heated to 120.degree. C., catalyzes the reaction between a polyol and a polyisocyanate to give a foamed polyurethane which cured in 16 minutes.

Catalyst for making polyurethanes

New catalysts are described for promoting the reaction of organic isocyanates with organic compounds bearing active hydrogen. These new catalysts correspond to the formula ##STR1## WHEREIN: N IS AN INTEGER OF FROM 1 TO 3; R.sub.1 is an n-valent organic radical;

Growing community of inventors

Lake Jackson, TX, United States of America

Philip W McGraw