| Abstract: | Stereoregulation in the polymerization of 2-alkyl-1,3-butadienes with transition metal π-allylic complexes has been studied. The direction of isoprene polymerization is shown to be a function of the nature of the metal and ligands in the allylic compound. The presence of acidic ligands in π-allylic complexes of Zr, Cr, Mo, and Co contributes to 1,4-addition and increases the selectivity of π-allylic nickel complexes, favoring cis-1,4-structure formation. Investigation of the model reaction of 2-alkyl-1,3-butadienes with bis(π-perdeuterocrotyl nickel iodide) revealed that active sites have an π-allylic type structure. The mechanism of formation of π-allylic adducts and the main factors which determine the dependence of direction and rate of polymerization on the nature of a monomer in the diene series: 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene(isoprene), 2-ethyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-isopropyl-1,3-butadiene, and 2-tert-butyl-1,3-butadiene, are discussed. |
