The polymerization of 1, 3-pentadiene initiated by TMSOTf/TiCl~4 initiating system is reported. The results showed that, the initiating system has an higher activity than TiCl~4 alone. It can increase the molecular weight and raise reaction rate of polymerization. The polymer yield increases with the [TMSOTf]/TiCl~4 ratio, and then keeps constantly when the [TMSOTf]/TiCl~4] ratio is not less than 0.5, the molecular weight reaches a maximum when [TMSOTf]/TiCl~4]=1. The reaction kinetic and reaction mechanism are studied. In our study, the polymerization of PD is initiated by the TiCl~4 in complexation with HOTf released by hydrolysis of TMSOTf. The yield and the molecular weight increase with steric hindrance of kentone.

Key words: CATION POLYMERIZATION, PENTADIENE P, INITIATOR, INITIATION, TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE, TRIFLUOMETHYL, METHANESULFONIC ACID P, TRIMETHYLSILANES, ESTERS, KINETIC STUDY