Isomerization polymerization of 4-alkylcyclopentenes catalyzed by Pd complexes: hydrocarbon polymers with isotactic-type stereochemistry and liquid-crystalline properties.

Isomerization polymerization of 4-alkylcyclopentenes catalyzed by Pd-diimine complexes produces the polymers with trans-1,3-disubstituted cyclopentane rings located regularly along the polymer chain. The polymers with isotactic structure formed by using a C(2)-symmetric catalyst exhibited liquid-crystalline properties.