Telomerization (dimerization)

In the telomerization is the linear dimerization of 1,3-dienes, with simultaneous addition of a nucleophile.

History

The reaction was discovered independently by EJ Smutny at the Shell and Takahashi at the University of Osaka in the late 1960s. The general reaction equation is:

The formation of several isomers is possible.

Reaction

Besides 1,3-butadiene, substituted dienes, such as isoprene or cyclic dienes such as cyclopentadiene can also be used. Nucleophiles can be used also as a variety of substances such as water, ammonia, alcohols or C -H -acidic compounds. When water of di-unsaturated alcohols are obtained, for example.

The catalysts used are mainly organometallic palladium and nickel compounds using.

The reaction has so far found no large-scale use.