Verfahren zur Herstellung von Polymerisaten oder Copolymerisaten von Aldehyden

Polymers and copolymers of alpha, beta-epoxy aldehydes of the formula: where R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, are prepared by contacting the monomers with a basic substance capable of catalysing an anionic type polymerization. The polymerization occurs mainly through the aldehyde grroup and the polymers have epoxy equivalents of above 0.2 per 100 grams. Specified monomers are glycidaldehyde, 2,3-epoxy butyraldehyde, 2, 3-epoxy-2-methylbutyraldehyde, a , b -epoxy pentanol and a , b -epoxy hexanol. Suitable catalysts are secondary, tertiary and quaternary amines and metal hydroxides, e.g. diethylene triamine, pyridine, triethylamine, benzaldeimethylamine, benzyldiethylamine, benzyl trimethyl ammonium hydroxide, and the hydroxide of alkali and alkaline earth metals. The reaction is preferably effected in an anhydrous medium. An inert solvent and atmosphere may be employed. Temperatures are generally between -10 DEG and 60 DEG C. but may be outside this range. The copolymerizable monomer may be any other aldehyde, e.g. amisealdehyde, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde. The polymers vary from liquids to solids with molecular weights of the order of 300 to 1000, and they may be cured, e.g. by addition of further amine. Uses: treating fibrous material and coating or manufacturing shaped articles. Specification 958,518 is referred to.