Homogeneous synthesis of isotactic polystyrene using n-butyllithium initiator

Abstract

ORGANOLITHIUM compounds are known to cause the stereospecific polymerization of dienes1 and methacrylates2. Via n-butyllithium, styrene polymerizes easily to atactic polymer at ordinary temperatures3,4. We have now found that styrene may be polymerized at low temperatures, employing butyllithium as a soluble initiator, to crystallizable isotactic polystyrene. © 1960 Nature Publishing Group.