Preparation of multi-arm star polymers with polylithiated carbosilane dendrimers

Abstract

Polyfunctional dendrimers are empolyed for the synthesis of multi-arm star-shaped polymers. Terminal allyl groups of a carbosilane dendrimer have been partly extended by hydrosilylation-addition of didecylmethylsilane and partly lithiated by reaction with butyllithium. Due to the peculiar structure of the dendritic polylithium compounds, the carbanionic sites were screened from intermolecular interaction and did not aggregate. Good solubility and accessibility for different monomers allowed the preparation of new star-branched poly(dimethylsiloxane), polystyrene and poly(ethylene oxide) polymers.