Isoprene Polymerization with (η3-C3H5)2Ceci5Mg2(Tmed)2/Alkylaluminum

Abstract (η3-C3H5)2CeCl5Mg2(tmed)2 combined with HAl(1-Bu)2 or Al(1-Bu)3 can initiate the polymerization of isoprene with about 50% of the cis-1,4 microstructure contained in the polymer. The insertion reaction of isoprene occurring between Ce3+ and η3-allyl was identified by NMR techniques.