Synthesis of model PS(PI)5 and (PI)5PS(PI)5 nonlinear block copolymers of styrene (S) and isoprene (I)

Abstract

Stoichiometric amounts of hexafunctional chlorosilane was used to synthesize copolymers of polystyrene (PS) and polyisoprene (PI). Two new architectures, 6μ-star PS(PI)5 and α,ω-branched (PI)5PS(PI)5, of nonlinear block copolymers with hexafunctional branch points were synthesized by anionic polymerization using 1,2-bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane as the linking agent. α,ω-Branched polybutadienes were also prepared by this method and by the hydrogenation of the corresponding polyethylenes.