Method for the preparation of ethylene-vinyl ether copolymers with a nickel catalyst

Disclosed is a method for the prepn. of ethylene-vinyl ether copolymers with a nickel catalyst, the copolymers having the general formula -(A)x-(B)y-, where A is -CH2-CH2-, B is -CH2CHOR- with R being a C1-10 hydrocarbyl, preferably a C2-6 alkyl, x (molar fraction of -CH2-CH2-)is 0.6-0.005, preferably 0.7-0.99, y (molar fraction of -CH2CHOR-) is 0.4-0.005, preferably 0.3-0.01. Reaction polymn. of ethylene with vinyl ethers is done in the presence of solvents or diluants, at a pressure of 10-150 bar, temp. of 120-260°, and with a Ni catalytic system having aluminum derivs. as cocatalysts (organo-aluminum compds.), wherein the molar ratio between the co-catalyst and catalyst is 5/1-2000/1