A metallocene is a compound typically consisting of two cyclopentadienyl anions (Cp, which is C₅H₅^-) bound to a metal center (M) in the oxidation state II, with the resulting general formula (C₅H₅)₂M. Closely related to the metallocenes are the metallocene derivatives, e.g. titanocene dichloride, vanadocene dichloride. Certain metallocenes and their derivatives exhibit catalytic properties, although metallocenes are rarely used industrially. Cationic group 4 metallocene derivatives related to [Cp₂ZrCH₃]⁺ catalyze olefin polymerization. Metallocenes are a subset of a broader class of organometallic compounds called sandwich compounds.