Polymerization of propadiene. III. Catalyst systems based on various rhodium (I) complexes

Abstract

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) 2 P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 Cl > [Rh(CO) 2 Cl] 2 > Rh(CO) 3 Cl. The complexes Rh[P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 ] 2 (CO)Cl and Rh[P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 ] 3 Cl proved to be inactive in the polymerization of propadiene.