Monomer-isomerization oligomerization of 2-ethyl-1,3-butadiene by acid catalysts

The cationic oligomerization of 2-ethyl-1,3-butadiene (2EBD) by a superacid (CF₃SO₃H) and a superacid derivative (CH₃COClO₄) accompanied monomer isomerization to 3-methyl-1,3-pentadiene (3MPD) before propagation to yield oligomers of the isomerized monomer as main products in benzene at 50°C. Detection of 3MPD in the reaction mixture and ¹H-NMR structural analysis of the produced oligomers confirmed the occurrence of this “monomer-isomerization oligomerization.” On the other hand, in the presence of a metal halide catalyst (BF₃OEt₂) 2EBD reacted without isomerization and yielded oligomers that were different from those produced by the foregoing superacid catalysts. Monomer isomerization was suppressed in a polar solvent (CH₂Cl)₂] or at lower temperatures. The mechanism of the oligomerization with monomer isomerization was discussed.