Organometallic Catalysis in Stereospecific Polymerisation and Nature of the Active Centres

Experimental results on the application of individual organic compounds of transition metals for the stereospecific polymerisation of dienes are summarised, and a relation is established between the nature of the metal with its surrounding ligands and the microstructure of the polymer chain. The nature of the active centres responsible for various types of stereoregulation and the mechanism of the formation of chain units are discussed. Aspects of copolymerisation in coordinated systems are considered. Research results on the mechanism of the cleavage of cycloalkenes and the dismutation of alkenes are clarified, arguments are given in favour of a chain process and a carbene character for the active centres, and the mechanism of individual stages in the process is examined. A list of 207 references is included.