Functionalization of polymeric organolithium compounds. Carbonation

Abstract

Abstract The carbonation reactions of polymeric organolithium compounds with high purity, gaseous carbon dioxide have been investigated in benzene and benzene/tetrahydrofuran (75/25) solutions. The polymers investigated were poly(styryl)lithium, poly(isoprenyl)lithium, and poly(styrene‐ b ‐isoprenyl)lithium. In Benzene solution the products are a mixture of the carboxylic acid and the ketone (dimer). No tertiary alcohol product (trimer) was observed. In benzene/tetrahydrofuran solution, the quantitative carboxylation of chain ends was observed.