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