Anionic functional initiators. 1: 3-dimethylaminopropyllithium as an initiator for the synthesis of Bi- and difunctional polybutadienes

Methods are described whereby a series of novel bi- and difunctional (telechelic) high 1,4-microstructure polybutadienes are prepared by use of an anionic functional initiator. This initiator, 3-dimethylaminopropyllithium, has been extensively investigated and methods for its preparation and use in non-polar solvents are described. When utilised in such non-polar solvents the polybutadienes produced are uniquely functionalised, possessing a high 1,4-structure and a low glass transition temperature. Evidence is presented to demonstrate that these reactions are true ‘living’ polymerisations and that quantitative functional termination reactions may be used to yield a wide range of multi-, bi- or difunctional polymers.