Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft

Wolfgang Lieberth

Hartmut Fischer

Claus D Eisenbach

Ulrich Bulow

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of alternating copolymers from unsaturated polar compounds and olefins in the presence of complexing agents, in which the complexing agent comprising the primarily formed copolymer/metal compound complex can be recovered in a simple manner and in reusable form. The copolymerization is carried out in the presence of salts, such as nitrates, but preferably halides, of divalent metal ions as the complexing agent in organic solvents at pressures of up to about 100 bar and at temperatures between -78.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. with the use of free-radical initiators. The reaction product is a mixture of the copolymer of a strictly alternating structure of unsaturated polar compounds and olefin, and of a copolymer which is higher in the unsaturated polar compound. The alternating copolymer can be easily separated therefrom by extraction with solvents, such as trichloromethane or acetone.

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Bayreuth, Germany

Wolfgang Lieberth