A process for preparing non-naturally-occurring defined monomer sequence polymers is provided, and in which a high degree of synthetic control is obtained by the use of solvent resistant diafiltration membranes. Also provided is a process for separating non-naturally-occurring defined monomer sequence polymers from synthetic by-products or excess reagents using solvent resistant diafiltration membranes, and a use of a solvent resistant diafiltration membrane in processes for preparing and separating non-naturally-occurring defined monomer sequence polymers.

A polyalkylene ether glycol composition containing a nitrogen-containing compound, wherein the nitrogen-containing compound constitutes 0.2 to 40 mass ppm of the polyalkylene ether glycol in terms of nitrogen atoms. A method for producing the polyalkylene ether glycol composition through a purification step of decreasing the amount of acetal in the polyalkylene ether glycol composition.

A polyalkylene ether glycol composition containing a nitrogen-containing compound, wherein the nitrogen-containing compound constitutes 0.2 to 40 mass ppm of the polyalkylene ether glycol in terms of nitrogen atoms. A method for producing the polyalkylene ether glycol composition through a purification step of decreasing the amount of acetal in the polyalkylene ether glycol composition.

Disclosed are mixtures containing: mono- and bi-functional polymers [polymers (P-A) and (P-B)] comprising a plurality of (per)fluoropolyether segments [segments (S.sup.RF)] joined together by hydrogenated (poly)ether segments [segments (S.sup.H)], said polymers having two ends, wherein one or both ends comprises a hydroxy or a leaving group; a non-functional polymer comprising a plurality of (per)fluoropolyether segments (S) joined together by hydrogenated (poly)ether segments (S.sup.B), with the proviso that the hydrogenated (poly)ether segments (S.sup.RF) are not segments of formula —CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2OCH.sub.2—. Disclosed are also monofunctional polymers (P-A) that can be isolated from such mixtures. Methods for the obtainment of the mixtures and for separating the polymers therein contained are also provided, as well as methods of using the mixtures or each polymer therein contained as intermediates or building blocks for the synthesis of other polymers or as ingredients of compositions.

A method of producing a medical polyoxypropylene polymer and a polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene block copolymer including (A) adding to a polyoxypropylene polymer which is obtained by ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide to a starting substance having an active hydrogen reacting with the propylene oxide and contains allyl ether as an impurity, a tertiary alkoxide of alkali metal in an excess amount based on a molar number of the active hydrogen of the starting substance and heat treating at 115° C. or less to isomerize the allyl ether to propenyl ether; and (B) adding a mineral acid to the product obtained in step (A) to adjust pH to 4 or less and treating at 70° C. or less to hydrolyze the propenyl ether. Also disclosed is a method of producing a medical polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene block copolymer which includes performing ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide to the polyoxypropylene polymer obtained above.

A method of producing a medical polyoxypropylene polymer and a polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene block copolymer including (A) adding to a polyoxypropylene polymer which is obtained by ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide to a starting substance having an active hydrogen reacting with the propylene oxide and contains allyl ether as an impurity, a tertiary alkoxide of alkali metal in an excess amount based on a molar number of the active hydrogen of the starting substance and heat treating at 115° C. or less to isomerize the allyl ether to propenyl ether; and (B) adding a mineral acid to the product obtained in step (A) to adjust pH to 4 or less and treating at 70° C. or less to hydrolyze the propenyl ether. Also disclosed is a method of producing a medical polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene block copolymer which includes performing ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide to the polyoxypropylene polymer obtained above.

The present invention provides a high-molecular-weight polyether polyol ensuring that when used as a polyurethane raw material, a polyurethane having excellent flexibility and elastic recovery can be obtained; and a method for producing, with high productivity, a polyether polyol having a higher number average molecular weight and a narrower molecular weight distribution than those of the raw material polyether polyol, and the polyether polyol of the present invention has a number average molecular weight of 3,500 to 5,500 and a molecular weight distribution of 1.7 to 3.0.

A process for purifying a polyether polyol including treating the polyether polyol with a mixture of: (i) a sulfonic acid catalyst, wherein the catalyst includes a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of at least 6 carbon atoms, and (ii) water to reduce residual levels of acetal linkages present in the polyether polyol; a purified polyether polyol prepared using the above treatment process; and a polyurethane product prepared by reacting the above purified polyether polyol and an isocyanate.

A process for purifying a polyether polyol including treating the polyether polyol with a mixture of: (i) a sulfonic acid catalyst, wherein the catalyst includes a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of at least 6 carbon atoms, and (ii) water to reduce residual levels of acetal linkages present in the polyether polyol; a purified polyether polyol prepared using the above treatment process; and a polyurethane product prepared by reacting the above purified polyether polyol and an isocyanate.

This application relates to methods and systems for drying polyol starters, as well as reaction mixtures including such polyol starters, and the preparation of polymers derived from such polyol starters. In some embodiments, the present invention encompasses methods of drying a polyol initiator compound, the method including the step of contacting a composition comprising a polyol initiator compound with one or more molecular sieves.