Oxetane polymer

A number of other polyethers derived from polyfunctional hydroxy compounds or alkylene oxides are important intermediates in the manufacture of polyurethanes. These are dealt with in Chapter 27. 

In the early 1950s novel polyethers were prepared in the laboratories of the Hercules Powder Company and of Imperial Chemical Industries Limited from oxacyclobutane derivatives. One such polyether that from 3,3-dichloromethyl-1-oxacyclobutane, was marketed by the first named company in 1959 under the trade name of Penton. Commercial manufacture of this material had, however, ceased by the end of 1972. 

Boiling point Melting point Density (25 °C) Refractive index (20°C) 

The patent literature indicates that polymerisation may be carried out in the range -80 to -i-25°C using boron trifluoride or its ethereate as catalyst. 

Solvents mentioned include hexane, benzene, liquid sulphur dioxide, chloroform, methylene dichloride and ethyl bromide. Where chlorinated solvents are employed the polymer is separated by addition of methanol, filtered, washed with methanol and the product dried in vacuo at 60°C. 

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Propylene oxide polymers, Tetrahydrofuran and oxetane polymers. 

No oxetane polymer, either substituted or unsubstituted, has as of 1996 any commercial significance. 

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