Isoprene chain shuttling polymerisation between cis and trans regulating catalysts: straightforward access to a new material†
Abstract
Isoprene chain shuttling polymerisation between the 1,4-trans regulating Cp*La(BH4)2(THF)2/MgnBuEt (Cp* = C5Me5) and the 1,4-cis regulating NdCl3(THF)2/AlR3 (R = Et or iBu) systems provides access to stereoblock polyisoprene. Under selected experimental conditions, the trans segments are semi-crystalline, leading to a thermoplastic elastomer-like material.