Isoprene Synthesis From Propylene (Goodyear Process)

Another approach for producing isoprene is the dimerization of propylene to 2-methyl-1-pentene. The reaction occurs at 200°C and about 200 atmospheres in the presence of a tripropyl aluminum catalyst combined with nickel or platinum.

The next step is the isomerization of 2-methyl-1-pentene to 2-methyl-2- pentene using an acid catalyst.

 2-Methyl-2-pentene is finally pyrolyzed to isoprene.