Anionic Synthesis of Heteroarm,Star-Branched Polymers. Scope and Limitations

Abstract

The scope and limitations of the following methods for the synthesis of heteroarm star-branched polymers are presented: (a) divinylbenzene linking reactions; (b) coupling reactions with macromolecular silyl halides; and (c) 1,1-diphenylethylene-based living linking reactions. The methodology of using l, 3-bis(1-phenylethenyl)benzene to prepare A₂B₂ hetero 4-armed stars is reviewed, and the synthesis of well-defined (polystyrene)₂(1,4-polybutadiene)₂ heteroarm stars is described. The synthesis of well-defined ABC heteroarm star polymers using macromonomers functionalized with 1, 1-diphenylethylene groups is described.