(t-BuC5H4)3Nd: A triscyclopentadienyl rare earth compound as non-classical isoprene polymerization pre-catalyst

•Rare earth polymerization catalysis.•Stereoselective polymerization of isoprene with a tris(cyclopentadienyl)neodymium complex.•X-ray structure of Cp′3Nd (Cp′ = C5H4t-Bu).

Homoleptic tris(cyclopentadienyl) Cp′3Nd (Cp′ = C5H4t-Bu) complex has been unprecedentedly considered as potential pre-catalyst for isoprene polymerization. The X-ray structural analysis establishes a monomeric non-solvated nature for this compound. Upon activation with appropriate borate/aluminium co-catalyst combinations, Cp′3Nd affords in good yields polyisoprene more than 95% cis-regular.

Graphical abstractHomoleptic tris(cyclopentadienyl) Cp′3Nd (Cp′ = C5H4t-Bu) complex has been unprecedentedly regarded as potential pre-catalyst for isoprene polymerization. The X-ray structural analysis establishes a monomeric non-solvated nature for this compound. Upon activation with appropriate borate/aluminium co-catalyst combinations, Cp′3Nd affords highly cis-regular polyisoprene with good efficiency.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide