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Abstract

A continuous process for functionalizing polymers is disclosed, wherein (A) a liquid comprising the polymer and a gas comprising a functionalizing agent are continuously introduced into a dispersing zone operated in laminar flow with high intensity mixing of the liquid and the gas under functionalization conditions, wherein the mixing is conducted for a period of the dispersing zone residence time at a shear rate effective to form a stable gas-liquid dispersion in which the gas is substantially dissolved or dispersed in the liquid for functionalization, and wherein the shear rate is less than about 5 s.sup.-1 for no more than about 30% of the residence time; (B) the gas-liquid dispersion is continuously passed to a blending zone operated in laminar flow with low intensity mixing under functionalization conditions, wherein the mixing is conducted at a shear rate effective to further dissolve the gas into the liquid for further functionalization; and (C) continuously recovering functionalized polymer. The process can be used to carbonylate unsaturated polymers, and is particularly useful in reacting unsaturated polymers with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst and a co-reactant selected from water, H.sub.2 S, alcohols, and thiols to produce functionalized polymer containing carboxylic (thio)acid or carboxylic (thio)ester functional groups.

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First Claim