The present invention provides a method of removing undesired isomers,
including substituted cyclopentadiene regioisomers, from the desired
fulvene in a crude fulvene composition by selectively reacting the
undesired isomers with pyrrolidine and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzaldehyde.
This reaction converts the undesired substituted cyclopentadienes into
fulvene-type compounds that is readily separated from the desired
fulvene.