POLYMERIZATION OF DIENES IN PRESENCE OF L ANTHANIDE COORDINATION CATALYSTS

The paper reviews the results of the research on polymerization and co polymerization of dienes on lanthanide-containing coordination catalys ts. The basic mechanisms governing molecular properties of polydienes formed, their stereospecificity and molecular mass characteristics are considered. The results of quantum-mechanical calculations are invoke d to discuss the structure of active centers and the mechanism of ster eospecific cis-polymerization of dienes on lanthanide catalysts. The p roperties of elastomers polymerized on lanthanide catalysts and relate d vulcanizates are discussed and it is shown that these systems are of considerable promise for industrial use.