| abstract |
A process for the copolymerization of carbon monoxide with an olefinically unsaturated compound comprising contacting the monomers in the presence of a liquid diluent with a catalyst composition which is based on (a) a source of a Group VIII metal, (b) a bidentate ligand of the general formula R1R2M1-R-M2R3R4 wherein M1 and M2 independently represent a phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atom, R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbyl groups on the understanding that at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 represents a polar substituted aryl group and R represents a bivalent bridging group containing at least two carbon atoms in the bridge, and (c) a boron hydrocarbyl compound, with application of a stirring power transmitted to the polymerization mixture of at least 0.25 kW/m3. |