The polymerization of propylene oxide by the benzoate anion was aided through the use of the tetrabutylammonium counterion. The effect of the tetrabutylammonium ion was to increase the solubility of the salt and to increase the ion separation. The polymerization was carried out in a pressure reactor at temperatures from 40 to 108°C, producing polymer yields of 2–78%. The study addressed the general effects of solvent, temperature, and ratio of initiator to monomer. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.