Chemistry of polybutadiene—iron carbonyl systems

The treatment of polybutadienes with iron carbonyls results in formation of polymers containing tricarbonyl(conjugated diene)iron units [C₈H₁₂Fe(CO)₃] and also results in geometrical isomerization of free double bonds. Heating of the iron carbonyl-containing polymers gives ferromagnetic products with enhanced thermal stability. The incorporation of iron carbonyl groups into the polymer is favored by basic solvents and high temperatures, the geometrical isomerization by acidic solvents and low temperatures. Steric factors are powerful in determining the rate of isomerization.