Synthesis of block polymers by homogeneous anionic polymerization

Abstract

Abstract The advent of the homogeneous, termination‐free anionic polymerization systems has proven to be a valuable synthesis tool for the polymer scientist. The absence of a spontaneous termination reaction in these systems makes it feasible to form a variety of interesting polymeric materials, i.e., linear, block polymers, star‐shaped polymers, and well‐defined graft polymers, as well as chains garnished at the end (or ends) with reactive groups. Recently linear block polymers of styrene and butadiene have achieved commercial importance. This review covers the synthesis methods of these block polymers and touches briefly on the formation of other block polymers by diverse synthesis routes.