| Abstract: | The polymerization of propadiene to 1,2-polyallene by various Rh(I) based catalysts is described and discussed. Also the interrelations between these Rh(I) complexes are discussed and an overall reaction scheme is given. A mechanism is put forward in which the formation of a common intermediate from propadiene and different Rh(I) complexes is the rate determining step. It is found that the activity decreases in the order: cis-Rh(CO)2P(C6H5)3Cl > Rh(CO)2Cl]2 > Rh(CO)3Cl. The complexes RhP(C6H5)3]2(CO)Cl and RhP(C6H5)3]3Cl proved to be inactive in the polymerization of propadiene. |
