The compound is the conjugate acid of the di-tert-butylcyclopentadienyl ligand, (Me3C)2C5H3−[1] (sometimes abbreviated Cp‡−).

Two regioisomers of di-tert-butylcyclopentadiene exist, depending on the relative location of the double bonds.

Di-tert-butylcyclopentadiene is prepared by alkylation of cyclopentadiene with tert-butyl bromide under phase-transfer conditions.

[2] It is the precursor to many metal complexes, such as the olefin polymerization catalyst ((Me3C)2C5H3)TiCl3.

[3] The conjugate base of di-tert-butylcyclopentadiene reacts with a third equivalent of tert-butyl bromide to give (Me3C)3C5H3: