Synthesis and Evaluation of Multifunctional Anionic Initiators Based on n‐BuLi and Meta‐Diisopropenyl Benzene

Abstract

Multifunctional anionic initiators based on n‐BuLi and the diolefin m‐DIB (meta‐diisopropenylbenzene) were synthesized and stored at different temperatures, using different polar modifier contents and solvents. Solution styrene polymerizations were then used to evaluate the performances of the produced initiators. Based on the obtained results, it is shown that the best initiators were the ones prepared at 40 °C, using the DTHFP/BuLi molar feed ratio of 0.1 in cyclohexane. At these preparation conditions, the produced initiator has higher contents of multifunctional species and presents higher stability. The DTHFP/n‐BuLi ratio of 0.1 was shown to be the most appropriate because it minimizes the formation of oligomers and allows for suitable initiation of styrene polymerizations.