Catalyst comprising a bivalent metal and a dicarboxylate ligand

Abstract

The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising a bivalent metal such as Sn, to processes for the preparation of the catalyst comprising a bivalent metal, to a process for the preparation of a compound, oligomer or polymer comprising at least one urethane group using the catalyst comprising a bivalent metal, to a composition comprising (i) at least one monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2), (ii) at least one polyisocyanate (A) and (iii) at least one catalyst comprising a bivalent metal, to a layer on a substrate formed from the composition, to a foam formed from the composition and to the use of the catalyst comprising a bivalent metal for preparing compounds, oligomers or polymers comprising a urethane group, as esterification and transesterification catalyst and as catalyst for ring-opening polymerizations of lactones and epoxides.

Description

[0001]Catalyst comprising a bivalent metal and a dicarboxylate ligand DescriptionThe present invention relates to a catalyst comprising a bivalent metal such as Sn, toprocesses for the preparation of the catalyst comprising a bivalent metal, to a process for the preparation of a compound, oligomer or polymer comprising at least one urethane group using the catalyst comprising a bivalent metal, to a composition comprising (i) at least one monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2), (ii) at least one polyisocyanate (A) and (iii) atleast one catalyst comprising a bivalent metal, to a layer on a substrate formed from thecomposition, to a foam formed from the composition and to the use of the catalyst comprising a bivalent metal for preparing compounds, oligomers or polymers comprising a urethane group, as esterification and transesterification catalyst and as catalyst for ring-opening polymerizations of lactones and epoxides. WO 2018 / 069018 relates to a coating composition system comprising the components (A) to (C) and optionally further components. The component (A) is at least one polyhydroxyl group-containing compound and the component (B) is at least one polyisocyanate-containing compound. In contrast, the component (C) is a catalystcomprising at least two salts of an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having at least 4 carbonatoms. In this case, the metal component of the first salt is bismuth (Bi), while the second salt comprises magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) or calcium (Ca) as metal component. The coating composition system according to WO 2018 / 069018 may be configured according to a first option such that all components are present separatelyfrom one another, i.e. the individual components are not mixed with one another,whereas according to a second option of the corresponding coating composition system, the respective components can also be present completely or at least partially mixed with one another.WO 2020 / 160939 relates to a bismuth-containing catalyst comprising at least one radicalR1, which comprises a carboxyl fragment, wherein a first carbon atom (α-carbon) is bonded to the carbon atom of the carboxyl group, which in turn is directly substituted with at least one aromatic system. WO 2020 / 160939 further relates to a method for preparing the bismuth-containing catalyst and to the use of the bismuth-containing catalyst forpreparing compounds comprising a urethane group.The preparation of compounds comprising a urethane group (urethane bond) has likewise been known for a long time. A compound having a urethane group is generally obtained if a compound comprising an isocyanate group is reacted with a compoundcomprising a hydroxyl group. The reaction generally takes place in the presence of acatalyst. On the one hand, tin-containing catalysts exhibit very high activity in such reactions. On the other hand, it is often tried to avoid the use of such tin-containing EB23-1631PC December 9, 2024 catalysts, especially alkyl-tin compounds, owing to their (often high) toxicity. Irrespective of that, is there is still a demand for new tin-containing catalysts due to their advantages in respect of the high activity.The water stability of compounds such as Sn(II) carboxylates is an importantconsideration when using these compounds as catalysts or additives in various applications. Sn(II) carboxylates, such as dibutyltin diacetate or dibutyltin dilaurate, are commonlyused as catalysts in polymer synthesis, particularly in the production of polyurethanes.These carboxylates are generally stable in water and can tolerate limited exposure to moisture. However, prolonged or excessive contact with water can lead to hydrolysis of the Sn(II) carboxylate, resulting in reduced catalytic activity or potential decomposition of the compound. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the water stability of these compounds can vary depending on factors such as concentration, pH, temperature, and the presence of other reactive species. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific reaction conditions and carefully evaluate the water stability of tin-containing catalysts such Sn(II)carboxylates before their use in a particular applicationThe object of the present invention, therefore, was to provide a novel catalyst, which can be used for preparing compounds comprising a urethane group.This object is achieved by a catalyst of a general formula (I)((R1a)2-)x((R1b)-)y(R2)-)z(M1)2+(I) in which the variables are defined as follows: (R1a)2-is a residue of a dianion of a general formula (IIa) (IIa), wherein R3, R4, R5 and R6 are mutually independently unsubstituted or atleast monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl, EB23-1631PC wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, or C1-C6-alkoxy,and wherein A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14- aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30- aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl,and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, andwherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S- phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene. xis 0 or 1,(R1b)- is mutually independently a residue of a general formula (IIb) EB23-1631PC wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH,or C1-C6-alkoxy,A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of - OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14- aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30- alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH- phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, and wherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6- alkyl or -O-phenyl,and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene,M3is H or an alkali metal, EB23-1631PCy is 0, 1 or 2(R2)- is an anion selected from the group of HO-, R8-O-, a halide anion, HO- C(=O)-O-, R9-S- or an anion of a general formula (III)O || R7^ C ^ O – (III) wherein R7, R8 and R9 are mutually independently an organic residue,z is 0 or 1,wherein the sum of 2x y and z equals 2,(M1)2+is a bivalent metal. The advantages of the catalysts according to the invention can be found in their abilityto enhance both the water stability and reactivity of other metal catalysts, including thosebased on tin(II), due to the presence of a residue of a dianion of a general formula (IIa) or, alternatively, due to the presence of at least one residue of a general formula (IIb). This exciting finding opens up possibilities for improving the performance of these metalcatalysts in various chemical reactions. By incorporating these residues of a dianion ofa general formula (IIa) or, alternatively, of a residue of a general formula (IIb) as additives or ligands, the stability, selectivity, and activity of the metal catalyst systems can be significantly enhanced, leading to more efficient and effective chemical processes.Additionally, it has been found that addition of some of the dicarboxylic acids, in particularthose having at least 2 heteroatoms within the residue A (linear C3-30-alkylene residue) show a latency behavior (the inventive catalysts are thermolatent). Thermolatent means that the catalytic activity of the respective catalyst is significantly increased at higher temperatures (compared to room temperature). Furthermore, in the case of the catalysts according to the invention, it is also not required that the catalyst as a salt is employed in the presence of protonated ligand. The catalysts EB23-1631PC according to the invention can thus be used without the presence of the corresponding acid at high catalytic activity in order to form compounds having urethane groups and there are no issues how the corresponding acid as a low molecular species behaves in the respective formulation and later in the polymeric material. Advantageous properties are then already obtained in the catalysts according to the invention if the dianion (R1a)2-according to the general formula (IIa), which is used as substituent / ligand of the bivalent central atom, comprises the radicals R3, R4, R5and R6in α-position and the diradical A. It is preferred that at least one of the radicals R3, R4, R5or R6 is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C6-C14-aryl, especially phenyl. Thesame holds true in case, alternatively, at least one, preferably two residues, of a general formula (IIb) are used as (R1b)- instead. “α-position” in the context of the present invention describes the carbon atom next to thecarbonyl carbon atom of the carboxylic acid. In accordance with the invention, this carbonatom is referred to as the α-carbon. Known examples for this purpose from chemical nomenclature are α-amino acids, where the α-C atom is the carbon atom to which the amino group and the carboxyl group are attached. Specific examples for this numbering from the field of amino acids are β-alanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. In chemicalnomenclature, the carbonyl carbon is sometimes also counted and referred to as position1. Accordingly, said first carbon atom directly adjacent to the carbon atom of the carboxyl group is sometimes also referred to as position 2 in chemical nomenclature. In the context of the present invention, the dianion (R1a)2-according to the general formula (IIa) has two α-carbons. The said carboxyl groups of this substituent are located (spatially speaking) in proximity to the central bivalent metal atom M1of the catalyst. The catalysts according to the invention are represented as salts, wherein the central bivalent metal of the catalyst according to the invention is represented as a (double positively charged) cation of thecorresponding salt (see for example the general formula (I)). The correspondingsubstituents / ligands of the catalyst, which are represented by the substituents / radicals R1a, R1band R2in the general formula (I) detailed above, form the corresponding anion components of the catalyst in this salt representation. The substituent / ligand R1ais double negatively charged and the substituent / ligand R1band R2are both singlynegatively charged. As detailed below, the substituent R1a mandatorily comprises twocarboxyl groups both being negatively charged (dianion), whereas the substituent R2may comprise one carboxyl group, for example, in case it is an anion of a general formula (III). The substituent R1balso comprises two carboxyl groups, but only one of them is negatively charged (“monoanion”), whereas the second carboxyl group of the substituentR1b is neutralized by either a proton or an alkali metal. In general, the negative charge inthe corresponding substituents / ligands of said carboxyl groups is localized and / or the corresponding carboxyl groups are located in spatial proximity to the (positively charged) central bivalent metal atom. EB23-1631PC From a scientific standpoint however, it is also tenable, in place of the salt notation used in the context of the present application for the catalysts according to the invention, to select a notation / representation in which chemical bonds between the central bivalentmetal atoms and the ligands R1a, R1b and R2 according to general formula (I) is completelyor at least partially formed in each case. Expressed in other words, this means that the central bivalent metal atom is not present as a positively charged cation and the corresponding ligands are also not present as negatively charged anions, but rather the corresponding charge form a chemical bond between the corresponding ligands on theone hand and the central bivalent metal atom on the other hand. In the context of thepresent invention, the catalysts comprising a central bivalent metal atom disclosed according to the invention, therefore, also describe such a definition that is not based on a salt.In the context of the present invention, definitions such as C1-C30-alkyl, such as defined,for example, for the radicals R3to R6in formula (IIa) above, signifies that this substituent (radical) is an alkyl radical having a carbon atom number of 1 to 30, wherein substituents optionally present are not taken into consideration in the carbon atom number. The alkyl radical may be either linear or branched as well as optionally cyclic. Alkyl radicals havingboth a cyclic and a linear component also fall under this definition. The same applies toother alkyl radicals such as a C1-C6-alkyl radical or a C1-C12-alkyl radical for example. Examples of alkyl radicals are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, sec-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, 2-ethylhexyl, tertiary-butyl (tert-Bu / t-Bu), pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, cyclohexyl, octyl, nonyl or decyl. Within the context of the present invention, the substituent (radical) “C1-C30-alkyl” may alternatively be described as “C1-30-alkyl”, both terms C1-C30-alkyl on the hand and “C1-30-alkyl” on the other hand have exactly the same meaning. The same holds true in connection with any of the below mentioned definitions of further substituents / radicalsas well.In the context of the present invention, definitions such as C3-30-alkylene (or alternatively refered to as “C3-C30-alkylene”), such as defined, for example, for the diradical A in formula (IIa) above, signifies that this diradical is an alkylene diradical having a carbonatom number of 3 to 30, wherein substituents optionally present are not taken intoconsideration in the carbon atom number. The C3-30-alkylene radical is linear in respect of the carbon atoms forming this radical, but without consideration of any substituents. In the context of the present invention, a heteroatom signifies any atom that is not acarbon or a hydrogen atom and that has replaced a carbon atom in the backbone of themolecular structure of a compound, especially in the C3-C30-alkylene bridge of formula (IIa). Examples of heteroatoms are O, S, P and N. EB23-1631PC In the context of the present invention, at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene radical may optionally be replaced by at least one heteroatom. In case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linearC3-C30-alkylene. Examples of linear unsubstituted C3-30-alkylene, wherein at least two notadjacent CH2groups are replaced by O as heteroatom are . In the context of the present invention, the term “aryl" or the term “C6-C14-aryl", as defined, for example, for the radicals R3to R6in formula (IIa) above, signifies that the substituent (radical) is an aromatic system. The corresponding aromatic system has a carbon atom number of 6 to 14, wherein substituents optionally present are not taken intoconsideration in the carbon atom number. The aromatic system may be a monocyclic,bicyclic or optionally polycyclic aromatic system. In the case of bicyclic or polycyclic aromatic systems, individual rings may optionally be fully or partially saturated. Preferably, all rings of the corresponding aromatic systems are fully unsaturated. Preferred examples of aryl are phenyl, naphthyl or anthracyl, especially phenyl. In the context of the present invention, the definition “C7-C30-aralkyl", as defined for example for the radicals R3to R6in formula (IIa) above, signifies that the substituent (radical) comprises an alkyl radical (such as C1-C6-alkyl according to the definitions above), wherein this alkyl radical is in turn substituted by an aryl radical (according to thedefinitions above). The corresponding aralkyl substituent has a carbon atom number of7 to 30, wherein substituents optionally present are not taken into consideration in the carbon atom number. The alkyl radical itself present therein may be either linear or branched as well as optionally cyclic.In the context of the present invention, the term “C1-C6-alkoxy", as defined for exampleas (additional) substituent of the radicals R3to R6in formula (IIa) above, signifies that it is a substituent (radical) in this case which is derived from an alcohol. The corresponding substituent thus comprises an oxygen fragment (-O-), which is in turn linked to an alkyl EB23-1631PC radical, such as C1-C6-alkyl (according to the definitions above). The alkyl radical itself may be either linear or branched as well as optionally cyclic. In the context of the present invention, the term “halogen", as defined for example as(additional) substituent of the radicals R3 to R6 in formula (II) above, signifies that thesubstituent (radical) is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine or chlorine, particularly preferably chlorine. Examples of halide anions are fluoride, chloride, bromide and iodide. Examples of alkali metals are lithium, sodium and potassium. In the context of the present invention, the term “unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl", such as defined for examplefor the radicals R3 to R6 in formula (IIa) above, signifies that each of the in total foursubstituents (radicals) detailed corresponding to their definitions already specified above may be present either in unsubstituted form or have at least one further substituent (monosubstituted). If one or more substituents are present (for example disubstituted, trisubstituted or even higher substituted), the appropriate substituents are selectedindependently of one another from the substituent groups specified in each case.In the case of a disubstituted C6-C14-aryl for example, the corresponding aryl unit, such as phenyl for example, may be substituted for example by a hydroxyl and a C1-C30-alkyl substituent, such as methyl or ethyl. Alkyl or aryl fragments may themselves in turncomprise at least one additional substituent according to the definitions stated. Thesubstitution may be at any desired position of the corresponding fragment. Unless otherwise specified in the following description, the respective definitions of the radicals R1to R9are in each case the preferred unsubstituted definitions. The present invention is further specified herein below. The present invention firstly relates to a catalyst of a general formula (I) ((R1a)2-)x((R1b)-)y(R2)-)z(M1)2+ (I)in which the variables are defined as follows: (R1a)2-is a residue of a dianion of a general formula (IIa) EB23-1631PC (IIa), wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH,or C1-C6-alkoxy,and wherein A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14- aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30- aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl,and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, andwherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S- phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more EB23-1631PC heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene. xis 0 or 1,(R1b)- is mutually independently a residue of a general formula (IIb) wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyland C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, or C1-C6-alkoxy, Ais unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene,wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of - OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14- aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30- aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30- alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and thealkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH- phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, - O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, and wherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N- C7-30-aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstitutedby hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, EB23-1631PC -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6- alkyl or -O-phenyl, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatomsare separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene, M3is H or an alkali metal, yis 0, 1 or 2(R2)- is an anion selected from the group of HO-, R8-O-, a halide anion, HO- C(=O)-O-, R9-S- or an anion of a general formula (III) O || R7^ C ^ O – (III) wherein R7, R8and R9are mutually independently an organic residue, zis 0 or 1,wherein the sum of 2x y and z equals 2, and (M1)2+is a bivalent metal. In connection with the radicals (substituents / ligands) present in the general formula (I), particularly the necessary radicals R1a, R1band R2, it should be noted that thefurther / exact chemical definition of these radicals R1a, R1b and R2 is a result of the radicalsR3to R6and A of the general formulas (IIa) or (IIb) with respect to the radical R1and is a result of the radicals R7of the general formula (III) with respect to the radical R2. In the context of the present invention, the variables x, y and z of the correspondingsubstituents / ligands R1a, R1b and R2 of the catalyst in the general formula (I) as shownabove, may be freely chosen under the proviso that the sum of the variables 2x, y and z equals 2. EB23-1631PC This is due to the fact that the overall charge of the catalyst of the general formula (I) is 0, since the catalyst comprises an anionic fragment (made up of the corresponding substituents / ligands R1a, R1band / or R2) having a total charge of -2 and a cationicfragment (made up of the bivalent metal (M1)2+) having a total charge of +2.By consequence, the general formula (I) comprises catalysts wherein i) x is 1, orii) y is 2, oriii) y is 1 and z is 1,preferably x is 1.For example, within the above-mentioned option i), wherein x is 1, both y and z are 0each, in order to fulfill the requirement that the sum of the variables 2x, y and z equals 2. On the other hand, within the above-mentioned option ii), wherein y is 2, both x and z are 0 each, in order to fulfill the requirement that the sum of the variables 2x, y and z equals 2. Furthermore, within the above-mentioned option iii), wherein y is 1 and z is 1,x must be 0, in order to fulfill the requirement that the sum of the variables 2x, y and zequals 2. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a catalyst of a general formula (I) ((R1a)2-)x((R1b)-)y(R2)-)z(M1)2+(I) in which the variables are defined as follows: (R1a)2- is a residue of a dianion of a general formula (IIa) wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl,EB23-1631PC wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, or C1-C6-alkoxy,and wherein A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14- aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30- aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl,and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, andwherein at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30- aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6- alkyl or -O-phenyl, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene. xis 0 or 1,(R1b)- is mutually independently a residue of a general formula (IIb) EB23-1631PC wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH,or C1-C6-alkoxy,A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of - OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14- aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30- alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH- phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, and wherein at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6- 14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6- alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl,and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene,M3is H or an alkali metal, EB23-1631PCy is 0, 1 or 2(R2)- is an anion selected from the group of HO-, R8-O-, a halide anion, HO- C(=O)-O-, R9-S- or an anion of a general formula (III)O || R7^ C ^ O – (III) wherein R7, R8 and R9 are mutually independently an organic residue,z is 0 or 1,wherein the sum of 2x y and z equals 2,(M1)2+is a bivalent metal. Preferably, at least one of the radicals R3, R4, R5or R6of the residues according togeneral formulas (IIa) and / or (IIb) is , mutually independently unsubstituted or at leastmonosubstituted C6-C14-aryl, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three, and most preferably each of the radicals R3, R4, R5or R6are unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C6-C14-aryl,wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen,carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy and C1-C30-alkyl. More preferably, mutually independently at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three, and most preferably each of the radicals R3, R4, R5or R6of theresidues according to general formulas (IIa) and / or (IIb) is phenyl.In respect of the residue A according to general formulas (IIa) and / or (IIb, it is preferred that A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C5-20-alkylene,wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14-aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, EB23-1631PC -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S- phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, and wherein at least one CH2-group of linear C5-20-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O and S, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C5-C20-alkylene are replaced by two ormore heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by atleast one CH2-group of linear C5-C20-alkylene, most preferably the at least one heteroatom is O. In respect of the residue A according to general formulas (IIa) and / or (IIb, it is morepreferred that A is unsubstituted linear C5-20-alkylene,wherein at least one CH2-group of linear C5-20-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O and S,and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C5-20-alkylene are replaced by two or moreheteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least one CH2-group of linear C5-20-alkylene, most preferably the at least one heteroatom is O. In respect of the residue A according to general formulas (IIa) and / or (IIb), it is most preferred that A is unsubstituted linear C5-12-alkylene, wherein one, two or three CH2-groups of linear C5-12-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom each and in case two or three CH2-groups of linear C5-12-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom, thetwo or three heteroatoms are separated from each other by one or two, preferably bytwo, CH2-groups of linear C5-12-alkylene, preferably A is unsubstituted linear C8-10-alkylene, wherein one or two groups of linear C8-10-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom each and in case two CH2-groups oflinear C8-10-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom, the two heteroatoms areseparated from each other by one or two, preferably by two, CH2-groups of linear C8-10- alkylene, most preferably A is unsubstituted linear C8-10-alkylene, wherein one group of linear C8-10-alkylene is replaced by O as heteroatom.As described above, the residue (R2)- is an anion such as HO-, R8-O-, a halide anion, HO-C(=O)-O-, R9-S- or an anion of a general formula (III) and the residues R7, R8and R9EB23-1631PC are mutually independently an organic residue. Such residues (R2)- are known to the skilled person. Any residues (R2)- can be employed within the catalysts according to the present invention. The same holds true in respect of any suitable organic residues to be employed in connection with R7, R8and R9. In respect of the residue (R2)- according to general formula (I), it is preferred that (R2)- is an anion selected from the group of HO-, R8-O-, Cl-, HO-C(=O)-O-, R9-S- or an anion of a general formula (III) O || R7^ C ^ O – (III)wherein R7, R8and R9are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C3-30-alkyl, C6-14-aryl or C7-30-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the groupconsisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14-aryl, - NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S- C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at leastmonosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl,-N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl, O-phenyl or C1-6- alkyl, wherein M2is H or alkali metal, and wherein one CH2group or at least two not adjacent CH2groups of C3-30-alkyl can bereplaced by a heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH,N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, wherein the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O- C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, preferably R7, R8and R9are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C12-alkyl or C6-C14-aryl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, chlorine, -CF3and C1-C6-alkyl.(R2)- is more preferably an anion of general formula (III),EB23-1631PC wherein R7is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C3-30-alkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM3, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14-aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, - N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments ofthese substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -C(=O)- OM1, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6- alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl, O-phenyl or C-1-6-alkyl, wherein M3is H or alkali metal, and wherein one CH2group or at least two not adjacent CH2groups of C3-30-alkyl can be replaced by a heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl can at least be monosubstituted by -OH halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl. (R2)- is even more preferably an anion of general formula (III), wherein R7is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C3-30-alkyl, wherein thesubstituents are selected from the group consisting -C(=O)-OM3 and C6-14-aryl, and thearyl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl and C1-6-alkyl, wherein M3is H or metal, andwherein one CH2 group or at least two not adjacent CH2 groups of C3-30-alkyl can bereplaced by a heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O and S. (R2)- is even more preferably an anion of general formula (III),wherein R7 is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C3-30-alkyl, wherein thesubstituents are selected from the group consisting -C(=O)-OM3and phenyl, and wherein one CH2group or at least two not adjacent CH2groups of C3-30-alkyl can be replaced by a O.(R2)- is most preferably an anion of general formula (III),wherein R7is unsubstituted C3-20-alkyl. (R2)- is in particular neodecanoate.Examples of the alkali metals M2, and / or M3 ,as optionally contained within thesubstituents as described above, are lithium, sodium and potassium. EB23-1631PC As described above, the central metal (M1)2+according to formula (I) is a bivalent metal. Bivalent metals as such are known to the skilled person. Any bivalent metal can be employed within the catalysts according to the present invention.Preferably, (M1)2+ is a bivalent metal selected from Sn2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Co2+ and Mg2+,preferably selected from Sn2+Zn2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+,more preferably selected from Sn2+and Zn2+,most preferably Sn2+. The present invention further relates also to a method for preparing a catalyst of thegeneral formula (I) according to the definitions above. The method according to theinvention for preparing such catalysts can comprise, for example, reacting i) at least one compound of a general formula (IIc) or a corresponding salt thereof, wherein R3, R4, R5und R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl,wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2,-SH, or C1-C6-alkoxy, and wherein A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30- alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14-aryl,-NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, - S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O- C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, and EB23-1631PC wherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30- aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl,N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, - N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replacedby two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene, ii) optionally H2O, R8-OH, hydrogen halide, a HO-C(=O)-OH, R9-SH and / orat least one compound of a general formula (IIIa)O || R7^ C ^ OH (IIIa) or a corresponding salt thereof,wherein R7, R8and R9are mutually independently an organic residue and iii) at least one the metal M1-containing compound selected from the groupconsisting of an oxide, a carbonate, a hydrogencarbonate, a halide, acarboxylate, an alkoxylate, a thiolate, a (C6-C14-aryl)-containing compound, a (C1-C12-alkyl)-containing compound and the metal as such. The reactants listed above, i.e. the acids according to the general formulae (IIc) or (IIIa)or the appropriate corresponding salts as such, are known to those skilled in the art. Thecorresponding salts used can be, for example, sodium, potassium or calcium salts. Optionally, instead of the aforementioned acids according to the general formulae (IIc) or (IIIa) or corresponding salts thereof as reactants, it is also possible to use corresponding carboxylic esters, for example a methyl or ethyl ester. Such carboxylicesters can be prepared by reacting the aforementioned acids or a corresponding saltthereof with a suitable alcohol, for example methanol or ethanol, optionally in the presence of a catalyst. The appropriate preparation methods of such carboxylic esters are known to a person skilled in the art. EB23-1631PC It has to be noted that the compounds of the general formula (IIc) are the basis for both residues (R1a)2-and (R1b)- of the catalyst of the general formula (I). Depending on the molar ratio of the respective compounds of the general formula (IIc) versus the metal M1- containing compound as employed during synthesis, the presence residues (R1a)2-and(R1b)- within the catalyst of the general formula (I) can be governed. This can be alsodone by adjusting the pH-value during synthesis and / or by employing compounds with temporarily partially blocked carboxy groups. Beyond that the additional employment of compounds such as R8-OH, hydrogen halide, or a compound of a general formula (IIIa) in an equimolar ratio to the compounds of the general formula (IIc) promotes theformation of catalyst of the general formula (I) containing more residues (R1b)- .If the molar ratio of compound of formula (IIc) / metal M1-containing compound is in the range of 1.0 / 1.0 to 2.0 / 1.0, the catalyst of the general formula (I) predominately contains residues (R1a)2-instead of residues (R1b)-, especially in case of an in situ reaction mode.The higher the molar ratio of compound of formula (IIc) versus that of the metal M1-containing compound is, the more residues (R1a)2-are contained within the catalyst of the general formula (I). Any metal M1-containing compound known to the skilled person may be employed. Forthe sake of completeness, it is indicated that said metal M1-containing compoundadditionally contains further functional groups such as a halide, a carboxylate, an alkoxylate or a thiolate besides the metal M1. In principle, any metal M1-containing compound can be used in the method according tothe invention, which is suitable for the purpose of forming the metal central atom in thecatalyst of the general formula (I) according to the invention, by reaction with the appropriate compounds according to the general formulae (IIc) or (IIIa). Preferably, the M1-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of SnCl2,Sn(carboxylate)2, Sn(neodecanoate)2, Sn(ethylhexanoate)2, Sn-mercaptans, dibutyltinmercaptan (DBTMC), dioctyltin mercaptan (DOTMC) and Sn-alkoxides, preferably the M1-containing compound is SnCl2. In one embodiment, the catalysts according to the general formula (I) according to theinvention may be prepared by reacting at least one compound of the general formula(IIc), optionally at least one compound such as R8-OH or according to the general formula (IIIa), with at least one metal M1-containing compound , whereini) the reaction is carried out under a protective atmosphere and / or in the presenceof at least one solvent, preferably toluene or tetrahydrofuran, and / orii) the reaction is conducted for at least 3 hours and / or at a temperature in the rangeof -75 to 160° C, and / or EB23-1631PCiii) following the reaction, volatile constituents are removed, the catalyst is driedunder reduced pressure and / or a recrystallization is carried out. As mentioned above, the compounds according to the general formulae (IIc), whereinR3, R4, R5 and R6 and A are as defined above, can be prepared by methods known inthe art. In the context of the present invention, it is preferred that within compounds according to the general formulae (IIc), wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are phenyl each, the respective compound can be prepared by reacting compound of formula (IV) with a compound auf formula (V) ClAClwherein A is as defined above. Usually the compound of formula (IV), usually dissolved in an organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, is treated with a strong base such as n-butyl lithium at a temperature inthe range of -80 to 0 °C, preferably in the range of -20 to -10 °C, followed by slow additionof the compound of formula (V) at temperature in the range of -80 to 0 °C, preferably in the range of -60 to -30 °C. After addition of the compound of formula (V) the reaction mixture is usually allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred at room temperature for about 6 to 24 hours. The reaction can be terminated by addition of an acid such asHCl. The molar ratio of n-butyl lithium to compound of formula (IV) is usually in the rangeof 1.8 / 1.0 to 2.6 / 1.0. The molar ratio of compound of formula (V) to compound of formula (IV) is usually in the range of 0.3 / 1 to 0.7 / 1.0, Another subject of the present invention is a process for the preparation of a compound,oligomer or polymer comprising at least one urethane group, which process comprisesthe step of reacting at least one monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2) with at least one polyisocyanate (A) in the presence of at least one catalyst of the present invention. Monoalcohols (B1) have an OH functionality of below 1.5.Polyols (B2) have an OH functionality of at least 1.5.The OH functionality is (hydroxyl number polyol or monoalcohol [g KOH / g] x molecular weight polyol or monoalcohol) / molecular weight KOH. If the polyol or monoalcohol is an EB23-1631PC oligomer or polymer, the number average molecular weight of the polyol or monoalcohol is used, which can be determined using gel permeation chromatography calibrated to a polystyrene standard. The molecular weight of KOH is 56 g / mol. The hydroxyl number can be determined according to DIN53240, 2016. Monoalcohols (B1) and polyols (B2), respectively, can be compounds, oligomers or polymers. Examples monoalcohols (B1) are ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol,sec-butanol, tert-butanol, n-pentanol, neopentanol, n-hexanol, n-heptanol, n-octanol, 2-ethyl-hexanol, n-decanol and neodecanol. Further examples of monoalcohols (B1) are the methyl and ethyl monoesters of (ethylene glycol), tri(ethylene glycol), di(propylene glycol) and tri(propylene glycol). Further examples of monoalcohols (B1) are benzylalcohol and cyclohexanol. Examples of polyols (B2) are diols such ethylene glycol, propane-1,2-diol, propane-1,3- diol, butane-1,2-diol, butane-1,3-diol, butane-1,4-diol, butane-2,3-diol, pentane-1,2-diol, pentane-1,3-diol, pentane-1,4-diol, pentane-1,5-diol, pentane-2,3-diol, pentane-2,4-diol, hexane-1,2-diol, hexane-1,3-diol, hexane-1,4-diol, hexane-1,5-diol, hexane-1,6-diol,hexane-2,5-diol, heptane-1,2-diol, heptane-1,7-diol, octane-1,8-diol, octane-1,2-diol,nonane-1,9-diol, decane-1,2-diol, decane-1,10-diol, dodecane-1,2-diol, dodecane-1,12- diol, hexa-1,5-diene-3,4-diol, neopentyl glycol, 2-methyl-pentane-2,4-diol, 2,4-dimethyl- pentane-2,4-diol, 2-ethyl-hexane-1,3-diol, 2,5-dimethyl-hexane-2,5-diol, 2,2,4-trimethyl- pentane-1,3-diol, pinacol and hydroxypivalinic acid neopentyl glycol ester. Further examples of polyols (B2) are diols such as are di(ethylene glycol), tri(ethylene glycol), di(propylene glycol) and tri(propylene glycol). Further examples polyols (B2) are triols such as glycerol, trimethylolmethane, 1,1,1-trimethylolethane, 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane, 1,2,4-butanetriol and 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate and condensates thereof with ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide. Further examples of polyols (B2) are pentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerole, condensatesof at least four glycerols, di(trimethylolpropane), di(pentaerythritol), and condensatesthereof with ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide. Examples of polyols (B2) are diols such as 1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,2- bis(hydroxymethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,1-bis(hydroxyethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,2-bis(hydroxyethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,3-bis(hydroxyethyl)-cyclohexan, 1,4- bis(hydroxyethyl)-cyclohexane, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutandiol, cyclopentane- 1,2-diol, cyclopentane-1,3-diol, 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl) cyclopentane, 1,3- EB23-1631PC bis(hydroxymethyl) cyclopentane, cyclohexane-1,2-diol, cyclohexane-1,3-diol, cyclohexane-1,4-diol, cycloheptane-1,3-diol and cycloheptane-1,4-diol and cycloheptane-1,2-diol.Further examples of polyols (B2) are inositol, sugars such as glucose, fructose andsucrose, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, threitol, erythritol, adonitol (ribitol), arabitol (lyxitol), xylitol, dulcitol (galactitol), malitol and isomalt, as well as tris(hydroxymethyl)amine, tris(hydroxyethyl)amine and tris(hydroxypropyl)amine.Further examples of polyols (B2) are also polyurethane polyols, acrylic polymeric polyols,hybrids of polyurethane polyol and acrylic polymeric polyol, polyester polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyether polyols, polythioether polyols and polyacrylate polyols. Polyurethane polyols are polymeric polyols comprising urethane linkages. Polyurethanepolyols are usually obtained by reaction of diols with diisocyanates. The diol can be apolyester diol, acrylic polymer diol, polycarbonate diol or polyetherdiol. Polyurethane polyols may comprise further linking groups in the main chain in lower number than the number of urethane groups such as ester, ether, thioether or urethane linkages.Acrylic polymeric polyols are polymeric polyols obtainable by radical polymerization frompolymerizable unsaturated monomers carrying OH groups such as 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, 4- hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate and (meth)allyl alcohol, and polymerizable unsaturated monomers comprising acrylic acid esters or methacrylic acid esters and optionally otherpolymerizable unsaturated monomers, by methods known in the art such as emulsionpolymerization. Examples of other polymerizable unsaturated monomers are polymerizable unsaturated monomers carrying acidic groups such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid, maleic anhydride, citraconic anhydride and itaconic anhydride. Hybrids of polyurethane polyol and acrylic polymer polyol can be obtained, for example, by preparing the acrylic polymer polyol as described above, but in the presence of a polyurethane polyol.Polyester polyols are polymeric polyols comprising monomers linked via an ester linkage.Polyester polyols are usually obtained by an esterification reaction or transesterification reaction of a component carrying two acidic groups and a diol. Polyester polyols may comprise further linking groups in the main chain in lower number than the number of ester groups such as amide, urea, carbonate, ether, thioether or urethane linking groups. Polycarbonate polyols are polymeric polyols comprising carbonate linkages. Polycarbonate polyols are usually obtained by reaction of carbonates with diols such as butan-1,4-diol, pentane-1,5-diol and hexane-1,6-diol. Polycarbonate polyols may EB23-1631PC comprise further linking groups in the main chain in lower number than the number of carbonate groups such as ester, amide, urea, ether, thioether or urethane linkages. Polyether polyols are polymeric polyols comprising ether linkages. Polyether polyols areusually prepared by acid catalyzed polymerization of ethers such as ethyleneoxide,propylene oxide, butylene oxide or tetrahydrofuran using an alcohol. Polyether poyols may comprise further linking groups in the main chain in lower number than the number of ether groups such as ester, amide, urea, carbonate, thioether or urethane linkages.Polythioether polyols are polymeric polyols comprising thioether groups in the main chainof the polymer. Polythioether polyols may comprise further linking groups in the main chain in lower number than the number of thio ether groups such as ester, carbonate, ether or urethane groups.Polyisocyanates (A) can be polyisocyanates carrying free NCO groups (A1) orpolyisocyanates carrying blocked NCO groups, so-called “blocked polyisocyanates” (A2). Polyisocyanates carrying blocked NCO groups (A2) can be de-blocked to yield the corresponding polyisocyanate carrying free NCO groups (A2*) under specific conditions, for example at elevated temperatures, such as at temperatures above 110°C. Thefollowing characteristics of polyisocyanates (A) apply to the polyisocyanates carryingfree NCO groups (A1) as well as to the polyisocyanates carrying free NCO groups (A2*) obtained by de-blocking the blocked polyisocyanates (A2). Polyisocyanates (A) have an NCO functionality of at least 1.5. The NCO functionality of a polyisocyanate is NCO content x (molecular weight polyisocyanate / molecular weight NCO). If the polyisocyanate is a polymeric polyisocyanate, the average weight molecular weight of the polyisocyanate is used. The average weight molecular weight of a polymeric polyisocyanate can be determined usinggel permeation chromatography calibrated to a polystyrene standard. The NCO contentof the polyisocyanate is weight NCO / weight polyisocyanate. The molecular weight of NCO is 42 g / mol. The NCO content of a polyisocyanate can be determined as follows:10 mL of a 1 N solution of n-dibutyl amine in xylene is added to 1 g of a polisocyanatedissolved in 100 mL of N-methylpyrrolidone. The resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature for five minutes. Then, the resulting reaction mixture is subjected to back titration using 1 N hydrochloric acid to measure the volume of the hydrochloric acid needed for neutralizing the unreacted n-dibutyl amine. This then reveals how much moln-dibutyl amine reacted with NCO groups. The NCO content is (“mol reacted n-dibutylamine” x molecular weight NCO) / weight polyisocyanate. The weight of polyisocyanate is 1 g. EB23-1631PC Polyisocyanate (A) can be a monomeric or polymeric polyisocyanate. Examples of monomeric polyisocyanates (A) are tetramethylene 1,4-diisocyanate, pentamethylene 1,5-diisocyanate, hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate, heptamethylene1,7-diisocyanate, octamethylene 1,8-diisocyanate, decamethylene 1,10-diisocyanate,dodecamethylene 1,12-diisocyanate, tetradecamethylene 1,14-diisocyanate, methyl 2,6- diisocyanatohexanoate, ethyl 2,6-diisocyanatohexanoate, 2,2,4-trimethylhexane 1,6-diisocyanate and 2,4,4-trimethylhexane 1,6-diisocyanate.Further examples of monomeric polyisocyanates are 1,4,8-triisocyanatononane and2’-isocyanatoethyl 2,6-diisocyanatohexanoate. Examples of monomeric polyisocyanates are 1,4-diisocyanatocyclohexane, 1,3- diisocyanatocyclohexane, 1,2-diisocyanatocyclohexane, 4,4’- di(isocyanatocyclohexyl)-methane, 2,4’-di(isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane, 1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate), 1,3- bis(isocyanatomethyl)- cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, 2,4- diisocyanato-1-methyl- cyclohexane, 2,6-diisocyanato-1-methylcyclohexane and 3(or 4),8(or 9)-bis (isocyanatomethyl)tricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]decane. Examples of monomeric polyisocyanates are 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, m-xylylene diisocyanate, p-xylylene diisocyanate, 2,4’-diisocya- natodiphenylmethane, 4,4’-diisocyanatodiphenylmethane, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate,1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, 1-chloro-2,4-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate, diphenylene 4,4’-diisocyanate, 4,4’-diisocyanato-3,3’-dimethylbiphenyl, 3-methyldiphenylmethane 4,4’-diisocyanate, tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate, 1,4-diisocyanatobenzene and diphenyl ether 4,4’-diisocyanate. Further examples of monomeric polyisocyanates are 2,4,6-triisocyanatotoluene,triphenylmethane triisocyanate and 2,4,4’-triisocyanatodiphenyl ether.Examples of polymeric polyisocyanate are polymers having an NCO functionality of at least 1.5 and comprising at least two units derived from monomeric polyisocyanates. Polymeric polyisocyanates can also comprise at least one structural unit selected fromthe group consisting of uretdione, isocyanurate, biuret, urea, carbodiimide, uretonimine,urethane, allophanate, oxadiazinetrione and iminooxadiazinedione. Another example of polymeric polyisocyanate is polymeric diphenyl methane diisocyanate. EB23-1631PC The NCO functionality of polyisocyanate (A) is usually in the range of from 1.6 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 1.6 to 8.0, more preferably in the range of 1.7 to 5.4, even more preferably in the range of 1.8 to 3.4, and most preferably in the range of 1.8 to 2.4.Polyisocyanate (A), monoalcohol (B1) and polyol (B2) can be derived from fossil or fromrenewable resources such as plants. Whether the components are derived from renewable resources or not can be determined by the C-14 / C-12 isotope ratio. The equivalent ratio of OH groups derived from monoalcohol (B1) and polyol (B2) toNCO groups derived from polyisocyanate (A) is preferably in the range of 5 / 1 to 1 / 5,more preferably in the range of 2.5 / 1 to 1 / 2.5, and most preferably in the range of 1.5 / 1 to 1 / 1.5. The reaction can be conducted in the presence of at least one organic solvent. Examples of organic solvents are aliphatic ketones such as acetone, ethyl methylketone (2-butanone) and isobutyl methyl ketone, aliphatic amides such as N-methylpyrrolidone and N-ethylpyrrolidone, ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether and dioxane, hydrocarbons such as n-heptane, cyclohexane, toluene, ortho-xylene,meta-xylene, para-xylene, and xylene isomer mixture, esters such as butyl acetate, acidssuch as acetic acid or neodecanoic acid, as well as nitriles such as acetonitrile. The reaction is usually conducted at a temperature in the range of 15 to 200 °C, preferably in the range of 20 to 80 °C. The at least one catalyst of the present invention is usually used in an amount, so that the amount of bivalent metal M1in the catalyst is in the range of 1 to 1500 ppm based on the weight of all polyisocyanate (A) (weight M1 / weight all polyisocyanate), preferably in the range of 1 to 750 ppm, more preferably in the range of 1 to 500 ppm, and mostpreferably in the range of 1 to 100 ppm.The reaction can be performed, for example, by adding the catalyst of the present invention to the at least one monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2), which is optionally dissolved in at least one organic solvent or, if only blocked polyisocyanates (A2) arepresent, in water, and then adding the at least one polyisocyante (A) to start the reaction.If a blocked polyisocyanate (A2) is used, the reaction is started upon de-blocking of the blocked polyisocyanate (A2). The reaction mixture is then stirred at the desired temperature until the desired NCO value, which is usually below 1.5%, is reached.Another subject of the present invention is an at least two-component coating acomposition comprising as separate components (i) at least one monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2) as first component and (ii) at least one polyisocyanate (A) as second EB23-1631PC component, and (iii) at least one catalyst of the present invention as third component or mixed with either the first or second component. In one embodiment the composition is a one-component composition comprising (i) atleast one monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2), (ii) at least one blocked polyisocyanate (A2)and (iii) at least one catalyst of the present invention. In another embodiment the composition is an at least two-component coating composition comprising as separate components (i) at least one monoalcohol (B1) orpolyol (B2) as first component and (ii) at least one polyisocyanate (A) as secondcomponent, and (iii) at least one catalyst of the present invention as third component or mixed with either the first or second component. The composition can also comprise at least one organic solvent. Examples of organicsolvents are listed above. If only blocked polyisocyanates (A2) are present and nopolyisocyanates carrying free NCO groups (A1) the composition can also comprise water as solvent. The composition usually comprises5 to 85 weight%, preferably from 10 to 70 weight%, more preferably from 20 to 70weight%, of the sum of monoalcohol (B1) and polyol (B2) based on the weight of the composition, 5 to 85 weight%, preferably from 10 to 70 weight%, more preferably from 20 to 70 weight%, of polyisocyanate (A) based on the weight of the composition, and1 to 1000 ppm, preferably 1 to 500 ppm, more preferably 1 to 100 ppm of at least onecatalyst of the present invention based on the weight of polyisocyanate (A). Another subject of the present invention is a coating layer formed from the composition of the present invention on a on a substrate. The layer can be a coating or adhesive layer The coating or compositions of the present invention can be applied to the substrate by any method known in the art such as by draw down bar, spraying, troweling, knifecoating, brushing, rolling, rollercoating, flowcoating and laminating, doctor blades, various printing processes such as gravure, transfer, lithographica and ink jet printing and byusing a bar.The substrate can be any suitable substrate. Examples of substrates are wood substrates, wood-based substrates, plastic substrates such as melamine formaldehyde substrate, paper substrates, recycled paper substrates, paperboard (also calledcardboard) substrate, recycled paperboard (also called recycled cardboard) substrates,metal substrates, stone substrate, glass substrates, textiles substrates, leather substrates, ceramic substrates, mineral building material substrates such as molded EB23-1631PC cement blocks and fiber-cement slabs, and composite substrates formed from a combination of the substates mentioned before in this paragraph. Another subject of the present invention is foam formed from the composition of thepresent invention. The foam can be a rigid or flexible foam.The at least one catalyst according to the definitions above can be used in Lewis-acid catalysed reactions, for example, in esterifications, transesterifications, ring-opening polymerizations of ethers, lactones, epoxides and amines, epoxidations and in reactionsfor preparing compounds comprising a urethane group, preferably in reactions forpreparing compounds comprising a urethane group. Another subject of the present invention is the use of at least one catalyst of the present invention in reactions for preparing compounds comprising a urethane group. Another subject of the present invention is the use of at least one catalyst of the present invention as an esterification and transesterification catalyst. Another subject of the present invention is the use of at least one catalyst of the presentinvention as a catalyst for ring-opening polymerizations of lactones and epoxides.The invention is illustrated hereinafter by examples. Preparation of inventive and comparative catalystsI) Preparation of precursors / ligandsCompound 1: 4,4'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(2,2-diphenylbutanoic acid) equates to PEG2- bis(2,2dpba) was prepared using the procedure as follows. In a Schlenk flask, 2,2-diphenylacetic acid (50.0 g, 235.57 mmol, 1.00 eq.) was dissolvedin 156 mL THF and cooled to -15 °C. Then, a 2.5 M solution of n-butyllithium in n-hexane(210 mL, 525 mmol, 2.20 eq.) was slowly added and the resulting red solution was stirred for 45 min at this temperature. Subsequently, the reaction solution was cooled to -45 °C EB23-1631PC and 1,2-Bis(2-chloroethoxy)ethane (18.40 mL, 117.79 mmol, 0.50 eq.) was slowly added. The mixture was then stirred overnight at room temperature and terminated by the addition of a 1.0 M aqueous solution of HCl. Subsequently, the phases were separated in a separatory funnel and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et2O (3 x50 mL). Afterwards, the collected organic phases were washed with water, dried overMgSO4and decanted. Crystallization at – 27 °C gives a white solid. Yield: 72% (45.70 g, 84.50 mmol).1H-NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.30 (m, 8H, aryl-H), 7.22 (m, 12H, aryl-H), 3.50 (t, 4H, CH2), 3.46 (t, 4H, CH2), 2.61 (t, 4H, CH2). Compound 2: 4,4'-((oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(oxy))bis(2,2-diphenylbutanoic acid) equates to PEG3- bis(2,2dpba) was prepared using the procedure as follows. In a Schlenk flask, 2,2-diphenylacetic acid (50.0 g, 235.57 mmol, 1.00 eq.) was dissolvedin 156 mL THF and cooled to -15 °C. Then, a 2.5 M solution of n-butyllithium in n-hexane(210 mL, 525 mmol, 2.20 eq.) was slowly added and the resulting red solution was stirred for 45 min at this temperature. Subsequently, the reaction solution was cooled to -45 °C and bis-[2-(2-chlorethoxy)-ethyl]-ether (23.10 mL, 117.79 mmol, 0.50 eq.) was slowly added. The mixture was then stirred overnight at room temperature and terminated bythe addition of a 1.0 M aqueous solution of HCl. Subsequently, the phases wereseparated in a separatory funnel and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et2O (3 x 50 mL). Afterwards, the collected organic phases were washed with water, dried over MgSO4and decanted. Crystallization at – 27 °C gives a white solid. Yield: 89% (61.2 g, 105.00 mmol).1H-NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.37 (m, 8H, aryl-H), 7.25 (m, 12H, aryl-H), 3.75 (m,4H, CH2), 3.48 (m, 4H, CH2), 3.23 (t, 4H, CH2), 2.71 (t, 4H, CH2). 6,6´-o-bis ) prepared using the procedure as follows. In a Schlenk flask, 2,2-diphenylacetic acid (50.0 g, 235.57 mmol, 1.00 eq.) was dissolved in 156 mL THF and cooled to -15 °C. Then, a 2.5 M solution of n-butyllithium in n-hexane (210 mL, 525 mmol, 2.20 eq.) was slowly added and the resulting red solution was stirred EB23-1631PC for 45 min at this temperature. Subsequently, the reaction solution was cooled to -45 °C and bis(4-chlorobutyl)ether (21.70 mL, 117.79 mmol, 0.50 eq.) was slowly added. The mixture was then stirred overnight at room temperature and terminated by the addition of a 1.0 M aqueous solution of HCl. Subsequently, the phases were separated in aseparatory funnel and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et2O (3 x 50 mL).Afterwards, the collected organic phases were washed with water, dried over MgSO4and decanted. Crystallization at – 27 °C gives a white solid. Yield: 75% (48.16 g, 87.45 mmol).1H-NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.20 (m, 20H, aryl-H), 3.23 (t, 4H, CH2), 2.30 (m, 4H,CH2), 1.44 (m, 4H, CH2), 1.15 (m, 4H, CH2).II) General procedure for the preparation of the inventive catalystsThe metal carboxylates were prepared by adding (1.00 – 5.00 eq.) dicarboxylic acid tocommercially available metal carboxylates (1.00 eq.) (Sn(II)-2-ethylhexanoate, SigmaAldrich; 2-EH is 2-Ethylhexanoate) in 2-ethylhexanol, in polyol or organic solvent and stirred for 1h at ambient temperature.III) Determination of the catalytic activity of the catalysts in water containingsystem The catalyst activity of the individual inventive and comparative examples was tested in a water containing system using the following urethane-forming model reaction: To asolution of 19 mmol of H12MDI (Dicyclohexylmethane 4,4'-Diisocyanate), 34.55 mmol ofabsolute 2-Ethylhexanol was added 200ppm catalyst and 1wt% water at 60°C (ratio of NCO to OH is 1.05 to 1.00). The isocyanate conversion and thus the formation of a urethane group are investigatedby horizontal ATR-IR spectroscopy. For this purpose, an aliquot of 0.05 mL is taken fromthe reaction mixture at defined time intervals and analyzed directly by IR spectroscopy. The relative intensity decrease of the asymmetric isocyanate stretching band at 2260 cm-1and the was used to determine the conversion. The initial free isocyanate content of the reaction mixture was determined at room temperature in the absence of a catalyst.All IR spectra were normalized to the bands of the symmetrical and asymmetricalstretching vibrations of the CH2groups (3000 – 2870 cm-1).IV) Determination of the catalytic activity of the catalysts (latency)The catalyst activity of the individual inventive and comparative examples was tested ina water containing system using the following urethane-forming model reaction: To a solution of 19 mmol of H12MDI (Dicyclohexylmethane 4,4'-Diisocyanate), 34.55 mmol of EB23-1631PC absolute 2-Ethylhexanol was added 200ppm catalyst at ambient temperature followed by heating to 80°C after 30 minutes (ratio of NCO to OH is 1.05 to 1.00). The isocyanate conversion and thus the formation of a urethane group are investigatedby horizontal ATR-IR spectroscopy. For this purpose, an aliquot of 0.05 mL is taken fromthe reaction mixture at defined time intervals and analyzed directly by IR spectroscopy. The relative intensity decrease of the asymmetric isocyanate stretching band at 2260 cm-1and the was used to determine the conversion. The initial free isocyanate content of the reaction mixture was determined at room temperature in the absence of a catalyst.All IR spectra were normalized to the bands of the symmetrical and asymmetricalstretching vibrations of the CH2groups (3000 – 2870 cm-1). EB23-1631PCBASF SE 231631EP0134 C°08&TR)II(niT e5ib-3)a3 8,8,9,7,7,7,5,1, 3,9 7 8 Gbp 143 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 0, 8,7,6E 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1Pd22.,x 8.,q2 E6e(12sib-3)a869,9,9,9,9,9,6,7,4, 1,8,9 8,Gbp6 3131313131313 2 1 07EPd2 1 1 1 1.21.q,2xE8,6e1(s 1ibH1 22 9, 48 9 8 9 8 6 2 6 3 931 ,3,3,3,3,3,3, , , ,E9-1 1 1 13 2 2 12).p 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1II(m8,noC61S0 5 01 51 02 52 03 53 04 54 05 55 06nim / t32 32 32 32 32 32 32 08 08 08 08 08 08C° / TEB23-1631PC As can be deduced from table 1 the catalysts according to the invention show, according to inventive examples Ex1 to Ex9, a higher catalytic activity compared to the known catalysts according to comparative example C1 or without using any catalyst according to comparative example C2. EB23-1631PC

Claims

Claims1. A catalyst of a general formula (I)((R1a)2-)x((R1b)-)y(R2)-)z(M1)2+(I) in which the variables are defined as follows: (R1a)2- is a residue of a dianion of a general formula (IIa)(IIa), wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl,wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3,-NH2, -SH, or C1-C6-alkoxy, and wherein Ais unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene,wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH- C6-14-aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2 is H or an alkalimetal, and EB23-1631PCwherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S- phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene. xis 0 or 1,(R1b)- is mutually independently a residue of a general formula (IIb)wherein R3, R4, R5and R6are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyl and C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, or C1-C6-alkoxy,A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14- aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30- EB23-1631PCalkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S- phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2 is H or an alkalimetal, and wherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, - NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S- phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl,and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linear C3-C30-alkylene,M3is H or an alkali metal, yis 0, 1 or 2(R2)- is an anion selected from the group of HO-, R8-O-, a halide anion, HO- C(=O)-O-, R9-S- or an anion of a general formula (III) O || R7^ C ^ O – (III) wherein R7, R8and R9are mutually independently an organic residue, zis 0 or 1,EB23-1631PCwherein the sum of 2x y and z equals 2, and (M1)2+is a bivalent metal.

2. The catalyst according to claim 1, whereini) x is 1, orii) y is 2, oriii) y is 1 and z is 1,preferably x is 1.

3. The catalyst as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein mutually independently at leastone of the radicals R3, R4, R5or R6of the residues according to general formulas (IIa) and / or (IIb) is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C6-C14-aryl, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three, and most preferably each of the radicals R3, R4, R5or R6are unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C6-C14-aryl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy and C1-C30-alkyl.

4. The catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein mutually independentlyat least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three, and most preferably each of the radicals R3, R4, R5 or R6 of the residues according togeneral formulas (IIa) and / or (IIb) is phenyl.

5. The catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein (M1)2+ is a bivalentmetal selected from Sn2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Co2+and Mg2+,preferably selected from Sn2+ Zn2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, more preferably selected from Sn2+ and Zn2+,most preferably Sn2+.

6. The catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein A is unsubstituted or atleast monosubstituted linear C5-20-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14-aryl, -NH-C7-30- aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S- C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turnbe at least monosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH- EB23-1631PCphenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, and wherein at least one CH2-group of linear C5-20-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O and S,and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C5-C20-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from each other by at least one CH2-group of linear C5-C20-alkylene, most preferably the at least one heteroatom is O.

7. The catalyst according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein A is unsubstituted linearC5-20-alkylene, wherein at least one CH2-group of linear C5-20-alkylene is replaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O and S, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C5-20-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms are separated from eachother by at least one CH2-group of linear C5-20-alkylene, most preferably the at least one heteroatom is O.

8. The catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, whereinA is unsubstituted linear C5-12-alkylene, wherein one, two or threeCH2-groups of linear C5-12-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom each and in case two or three CH2-groups of linear C5-12-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom, the two or three heteroatoms areseparated from each other by one or two, preferably by two, CH2-groups of linear C5-12-alkylene, preferably A is unsubstituted linear C8-10-alkylene, wherein one or two groups of linear C8-10-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom eachand in case two CH2-groups of linear C8-10-alkylene are replaced by O as heteroatom, the two heteroatoms are separated from each other by one or two, preferably by two, CH2-groups of linear C8-10- alkylene, most preferably A is unsubstituted linear C8-10-alkylene, wherein onegroup of linear C8-10-alkylene is replaced by O as heteroatom. EB23-1631PC9. The catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein (R2)- is an anionselected from the group of HO-, R8-O-, Cl-, HO-C(=O)-O-, R9-S- or an anion of a general formula (III) O || R7^ C ^ O – (III)wherein R7, R8and R9are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C3-30-alkyl, C6-14-aryl or C7-30-aralkyl, wherein the substituentsare selected from the group consisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, - NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, -NH-C6-14-aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14- aryl)2, -N(C7-30-aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by-OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6- alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl, O-phenyl or C1-6- alkyl, wherein M2is H or alkali metal, and wherein one CH2 group or at least two not adjacent CH2 groups of C3-30-alkylcan be replaced by a heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30-aralkyl, wherein the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at least monosubstituted by -OH halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl,preferably R7, R8and R9are mutually independently unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted C1-C12-alkyl or C6-C14-aryl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, chlorine, -CF3and C1-C6-alkyl.

10. A method for preparing a catalyst of the general formula (I) as claimed in any ofclaims 1 to 9, comprising reacting i) at least one compound of a general formula (IIc)EB23-1631PCor a corresponding salt thereof,wherein R3, R4, R5 und R6 are mutually independently unsubstituted or atleast monosubstituted C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C14-aryl or C7-C30-aralkyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, carboxyl, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C30-alkyland C6-C14-aryl and the alkyl and aryl fragments of these substituentsmay in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl, halogen, -CF3, -NH2, -SH, or C1-C6-alkoxy, and wherein A is unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted linear C3-30-alkylene, wherein the substituents are selected from the groupconsisting of -OH, halogen, -C(=O)-OM2, -CF3, -NH2, -NH-C1-30-alkyl, - NH-C6-14-aryl, -NH-C7-30-aralkyl, -N(C1-30-alkyl)2, -N(C6-14-aryl)2, -N(C7-30- aralkyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-30-alkyl, -S-C6-14-aryl, -S-C7-30-aralkyl, -O-C1-30-alkyl, -O-C6-14-aryl, -O-C7-30-aralkyl, C1-30-alkyl and C6-14-aryl, and the alkyl andaryl fragments of these substituents may in turn be at leastmonosubstituted by -OH, halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH- phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2, -N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6- alkyl or -O-phenyl, wherein M2is H or an alkali metal, andwherein optionally at least one CH2-group of linear C3-30-alkylene isreplaced by at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14-aryl and N-C7-30- aralkyl, and wherein alkyl and aryl fragments of N-C1-30-alkyl, N-C6-14- aryl, N-C7-30-aralkyl may in turn be at least monosubstituted by hydroxyl,halogen, -CF3, NH2, -NH-C1-6-alkyl, -NH-phenyl, -N(C1-6-alkyl)2,-N(phenyl)2, -SH, -S-C1-6-alkyl, -S-phenyl, -O-C1-6-alkyl or -O-phenyl, and in case two or more CH2-groups of linear C3-30-alkylene are replaced by two or more heteroatoms, the two or more heteroatoms areseparated from each other by at least on CH2-group of linearC3-C30-alkylene, EB23-1631PCii) optionally H2O, R8-OH, hydrogen halide, a HO-C(=O)-OH, R9-SH and / orat least one compound of a general formula (IIIa) O || R7^ C ^ OH (IIIa)or a corresponding salt thereof, wherein R7, R8and R9are mutually independently an organic residue and iii) at least one the metal M1-containing compound selected from the groupconsisting of an oxide, a carbonate, a hydrogencarbonate, a halide, a carboxylate, an alkoxylate, a thiolate, a (C6-C14-aryl)-containing compound, a (C1-C12-alkyl)-containing compound and the metal as such.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the M1-containing compound isselected from the group consisting of SnCl2, Sn(carboxylate)2, Sn(neodecanoate)2, Sn(ethylhexanoate)2, Sn-mercaptans, dibutyltin mercaptan (DBTMC), dioctyltin mercaptan (DOTMC) and Sn-alkoxides,preferably the M1-containing compound is SnCl2.

12. A process for the preparation of a compound, oligomer or polymer comprising atleast one urethane group, which process comprises the step of reacting at leastone monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2) with at least one polyisocyanate (A) in the presence of at least one catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9.

13. A composition comprising (i) at least one monoalcohol (B1) or polyol (B2), (ii) atleast one polyisocyanate (A) and (iii) at least one catalyst of any of claims 1 to 9.

14. A layer formed from the composition of claim 13 on a substrate.

15. A foam formed from the composition of claim 13 on a substrate.

16. The use of at least one catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 in reactionsfor preparing compounds comprising a urethane group, as an esterification and EB23-1631PCtransesterification catalyst or as a catalyst for ring-opening polymerizations of lactones and epoxides. EB23-1631PC

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