Block copolymerization. VI. Polymerization of pivalolactone with macromolecular initiators from polystyrene and polytetrahydrofuran

Polymerization of pivalolactone with polystyryl sodium or polystyryl ethoxysodium in tetrahydrofuran resulted in homopolymer mixtures. Block copolymers of pivalolactone and styrene were obtained by the polymerization of pivalolactone with sodium polystyrene carboxylate in tetrahydrofuran containing dimethyl sulfoxide. Block copolymers of pivalolactone and tetrahydrofuran were obtained by the polymerization of pivalolactone with polytetrahydrofuran containing carboxylate endgroups. The mechanism of the initiation reaction and various factors affecting block efficiency are discussed.