Tri- and tetracarbanionic initiators by a lithium/halide exchange reaction: Application to star-polymer synthesis

Abstract

A family of polycarbanionic initiators: Bis-, tris-, and tetrakisaryl lithium compounds (see scheme) were synthesized from the corresponding aryl halides by simple halogen/lithium exchange reactions. These polylithiated species were used to prepare telechelic and three- and four-armed star polystyrene and polybutadiene homopolymers, as well as poly(styrene-block- butadiene-block-methyl methacrylate) star block terpolymers.