Herein we report the copolymerization of CHO with CO 2 in the presence of various zinc compounds R 2 Zn (R ¼ Et, Bu, iPr, Cy and Ph). Several zinc organyls proved to be efficient catalysts for this reaction in the absence of water and co-catalyst. Notably, readily available Bu 2 Zn reached a TON up to 269 and an initial TOF up to 91 h À1 . The effect of various parameters on the reaction outcome has been investigated. Poly(ether)carbonates with molecular weights up to 79.3 kg mol À1 and a CO 2 content of up to 97% were obtained. Under standard reaction conditions (100 C, 2.0 MPa, 16 h) the influence of commonly employed co-catalysts such as PPNCl and TBAB has been investigated in the presence of Et 2 Zn (0.5 mol%). The reaction of other epoxides (e.g. propylene and styrene oxide) under these conditions led to no significant conversion or to the formation of the respective cyclic carbonate as the main product.

The synthesis and the properties of permutoids with ionic active groups and the kinetics of the decomposition of diazoacetic ester and of nitrosomethylurea through the ionic active groups are dealt with. A discussion follows of the synthesis of high polymers and permutoids with active groups of the chlorophyll and hemin series obtained by the introduction of the corresponding active groups into high‐polymeric compounds, by copolymerization, and by inclusion of the prosthetic group in the polycondensation process. A report is added on the optical properties of the high‐molecular compounds provided with active groups and on remarkable differences between low‐molecular compounds in a dissolved state and as active groups linked to high polymers. The apparatuses developed for taking absorption and reflection spectra are described. Finally, the catalytic effect of the high polymers provided with active groups of the hemin series is examined.