Tri‐ and Tetracarbanionic Initiators by a Lithium/Halide Exchange Reaction: Application to Star‐Polymer Synthesis

Abstract

A family of polycarbanionic initiators: Bis-, tris-, and tetrakisaryl lithium compounds (see scheme) were synthesized from the corresponding aryl halides by simple halogen/lithium exchange reactions. These polylithiated species were used to prepare telechelic and three- and four-armed star polystyrene and polybutadiene homopolymers, as well as poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-methyl methacrylate) star block terpolymers. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2005/z461056_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.