| abstract |
The invention provides a catalyst composition, comprising: (a) an organolithium compound;nand, (b) an organic acid salt of lanthanide series element; wherein: (1) only components (a) and (b)nare required to promote the synthesis of 1,4-trans-polybutadiene; (2) the ratio of component (a) toncomponent (b) is selected to maximize formation of the trans structure of said 1,4-trans-polybutadiene;nand, (3) components (a) and (b) are selected for enabling further diblock synthesis.nThe invention further contemplates a process for using the catalyst to synthesize 1,4-trans-polybutadienenand other polymers and copolymers having trans configuration in the conjugated dienenmonomer contributed units. |