Anionic Polymerization of trans-β-Methylstyrene

Abstract The anionic polymerization of trans-β-methylstyrene by n-butyllithium was carried out in hydrocarbon solvents and in tetrahydrofuran. In hydrocarbon solvents the monomer was consumed by n-butyllithium, but gave no polymer insoluble in methanol. In tetrahydrofuran the polymerization proceeded rapidly, giving a polymer insoluble in methanol. This polymer was produced by the normal addition polymerization of a C=C double bond. The relatively lower degree of polymerization of poly-β-methylstyrene indicated a chain transfer in the reaction. The chain transfer reaction due to the active hydrogen of a methyl group in this monomer was also observed by means of the electronic spectra of the reaction mixtures. The polymer anion was converted to inactive anions at high temperatures.