Abstract: Diene polymers comprising at least one diene polymer block and at least one other polymer block which are coupled together with a coupling agent of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are alkyl or alkoxy containing up to 20 carbon atoms or more and at least of them are alkoxy. Adhesive formulations containing such polymers are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer which possesses excellent mechanical properties at both room and elevated temperatures is obtained by reacting an acyl sulfate with a block copolymer composed of at least one conjugated diene block and one alkenyl arene block. The block copolymer is first selectively hydrogenated and thereafter modified by grafting sulfonic acid functional groups primarily in the alkenyl arene blocks. The mechanical properties may be varied and controlled by varying the degree of functionalization (amount of sulfonation), and the degree of neutralization of the sulfonic acid groups to metal sulfonate salts.

Abstract: A process for separating an alkali metal or alkali metal compound from a polymer comprising a conjugated diolefin and/or an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer wherein a polymer and one or more alkali metal compounds is contacted with a suitable solid adsorbent. Preferably, the solid adsorbent will be selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica-alumina, silica and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of branched polymers is provided wherein the individual branches may be selected at will comprising the formation of an anionic polymer of a polymerizable monomer, coupling with a polyvinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and block polymerizing this coupled product with an anionically active polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: The process of hydrogenating olefin compounds utilizing certain hydrogenation catalysts can be interrupted or halted by the addition to the reaction mixture of an organometallic reducing agent. Hydrogenation can be resumed by subsequent addition of an alcohol or other compound capable of reacting with the reducing agent.