Influence of the operating conditions on the catalytic activity of [PdCl2(dapp)] in the CO–ethene copolymerization in the H2O–CH3COOH as a solvent (dapp = 1,3-bis(di(2-methoxyphenyl) phosphino)propane)

The influence on the productivity of [PdCl2(dapp)] in H 2O-CH3COOH in the CO-ethene copolymerization and on the LVN of the copolymer of the following reaction parameters has been studied: (i) composition of the H2O-CH3COOH reaction medium; (ii) temperature; (iii) CO/ethene ratio at a given total pressure; (iv) total pressure at fixed ratio CO/ethene = 1/1; (v) CO or ethene partial pressure at a given pressure of one monomer; (vi) reaction time. High molecular weight PKs are obtained under high pressure with the monomers in the ratio 1/1 at relatively low temperature and with a H2O/CH3COOH 40-50% with productivity ranging from 4 to 20 kg PK(g Pd h)-1. The relation between productivity and LVN has been discussed in the light of the key steps of the catalytic cycle.