Living polymerization of 1,3-butadiene by a Ziegler–Natta type catalyst composed of iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate, triisobutylaluminum and diethyl phosphite

Living characteristics of facilely prepared Ziegler–Natta type catalyst system consisting of iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate, triisobutylaluminum and diethyl phosphite have been found in the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene in hexane at 40 °C. The characteristics have been well demonstrated by: a first-order kinetics with respect to monomer conversion, a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.48–1.52) of polybutadiene in the entire range of polymerization conversion and a good linearity between Mn and the yield of polymer. Feasible post-polymerization of 1,3-butadiene and block co-polymerization of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene further support the living natures of the catalyst bestowed with. The current catalyst system is highly active (yield > 80%, 35 min), providing polybutadiene with 1,2, cis-1,4 and trans-1,4 units about 44.0%, 51.0% and 5.0%, respectively.