Catalyst for bulk polymerization

Abstract

A catalyst for bulk polymerization of a polymerizable unsaturated compound of the invention comprises a compound having at least one thiol group and a secondary hydroxyl group and represented by the following formula (I): wherein R 1 to R 5 are each a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R 6 is a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group or the like. Also a process for bulk polymerization of the invention comprises polymerizing a polymerizable unsaturated compound in an inert gas atmosphere substantially in the absence of a solvent using, as a catalyst, a compound having at least one thiol group and a secondary hydroxyl group and represented by the above formula (I). According to the catalyst or the process of the invention, bulk polymerization can be carried out in one-component catalyst system in a high yield without suffering a runaway reaction.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A catalyst for bulk polymerization of a polymerizable unsaturated compound, comprising a compound having at least one thiol group and a secondary hydroxyl group and represented by the following formula (I):  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 1  to R 5  are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and R 6  is at least one group selected from a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms.  
     
     
         2 . The catalyst for bulk polymerization as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the compound represented by the formula (I) is thioglycerol.