An improved synthesis of sodium and potassium cyclopentadienide

Sodium and potassium cyclopentadienide were obtained in an improved synthetic procedure. They were prepared in a one-pot synthesis directly by reaction of alkali metals with neat dicyclopentadiene at elevated temperature. The products precipitated as white powders and were isolated by filtration. The excess of dicyclopentadiene can be recycled. The new reaction procedure provides a much more convenient access to the products, no dry solvents such as THF or decahydronaphthalene are needed, and no colored impurities are observed.