Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising: (a) a star polymer comprising: (i) a core portion comprising a polyvalent (meth) acrylic monomer, oligomer or polymer thereof or a polyvalent divinyl non-acrylic monomer, oligomer or polymer thereof; and (ii) at least two arms of polymerized alkyl (meth)acrylate ester; and (b) an oil of lubricating viscosity, wherein the core portion further comprises a functional group of formula (I): —CH2—C(R1)(C(?O)A)-Y—??(I) wherein R1 is hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms; A is nitrogen or oxygen; and Y is a free radical leaving group selected from the group consisting of one or more atoms or groups of atoms which may be transferred by a radical mechanism under the polymerisation conditions, a halogen, an —O—N? group and an —S—C(?S)— group. The invention further provides the use of the composition in an oil of lubricating viscosity as a dispersant, a viscosity modifier or a precursor to a dispersant viscosity modifier.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preparation of thermoplastic gels. The compositions have a base composition including a thermoplastic gel and a softener oil and the gel has a hardness between 15 Shore 000 and 65 Shore 000. The gel may also include an additive, such as a mineral filler, an anti-tack agent, and a mixture of a mineral filler and an anti-tack agent. The softener oil may be a high molecular weight oil having a molecular weight greater than about 250 g/mol.

Abstract: Disclosed are an anionic polymerization initiator, which is a reaction product of an organometallic compound and a compound including an etheric oxygen atom-containing alkyl group represented by specific Chemical Formula, and a method of preparing a conjugated diene-based copolymer using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyurethane elastomer composition for electrophotographic printing, including: a polyester polyol (A) obtained by polycondensing a polyvalent carboxylic acid (A-1) containing sebacic acid as a main component and a polyhydric alcohol (A-2) selected from (I) a linear glycol having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, (II) a linear glycol having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and a glycol having 2 to 4 carbon atoms with an alkyl side chain and (III) a linear glycol having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and 1,6-hexaneglycol; a polyisocyanate compound (B); and a mixture (C) of a short-chain diol and a short-chain triol. The polyurethane elastomer composition for electrophotographic printing has reduced temperature dependency, improved long-term durability and satisfactory mechanical strength. An electrophotographic printing member is also provided.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing anionic polymerization initiator defined by the formula: R1S—R2aR3?Li? where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: A reactor system operable to facilitate a chemical reaction in a reaction medium flowing therethrough. The reactor system includes a heat exchanger for heating the reaction medium and a disengagement vessel for disengaging vapor from the heated reaction medium.

Abstract: Provided is a copolymer rubber, comprising a copolymer having a star-shaped block structure (SIB-PA)n-X, wherein SIB is a block comprising styrene, butadiene, and isoprene as constituent monomers; PA is a block comprising butadiene or isoprene as a constituent monomer; X is the residue of at least one coupling agent; and n=2?4. Also provided is a process for preparing the copolymer rubber and use thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer including a sulfur-containing functional group, the method comprising introducing a sulfur-containing initiator defined by the formula with conjugated diene monomer and optionally copolymerizable monomer within a polymerization medium and allowing the sulfur-containing initiator to initiate the polymerization of the conjugated diene monomer and the optional copolymerizable monomer, where R1 is a monovalent organic group, R2 is a divalent organic group, R3 is a divalent organic group or a bond, and a is an integer from 1 to about 5.

Abstract: Functionalized multi-arm polymers which comprise the reaction product of a coupling agent and a polymer synthesized by anionic polymerization. Furthermore, the invention relates to their preparation method and their different uses, especially as hot-melt adhesives.

Abstract: The invention provides alternatives to traditional polycondensation processes for preparing copolymers. For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides a process that includes an extrusion step and a solid state polymerization step to prepare high molecular weight block copolymer with a “hard block” contributed by a macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) and a “soft block” contributed by a dihydroxyl-functionalized polymer, an oligoether, and/or a dimerized fatty acid (i.e. a polyol). The invention also provides new copolymer compositions made possible by the new processes—for example, copolymers of higher molecular weight, copolymers with higher weight ratio of soft block units to hard block units, copolymers made with higher molecular weight polyol, and copolymers with hard block units that are themselves random copolyesters of units contributed by a MPO and a cyclic ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gels prepared from novel anionic block copolymers of aromatic vinyl compounds and conjugated dienes. The block copolymers include a high molecular weight linear and/or radial block copolymer component (SBC1 and/or SBC2), and a diblock component (E1). The block copolymer may be combined with tackifying resins, oils and other components to form the gels of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an initiator composition for anionic polymerization, comprising at least one alkali metal hydride selected from LiH, NaH, and KH, and at least one organylaluminum compound, and to a process for the anionic polymerization of styrene monomers or of diene monomers using the initiator composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a batch process for synthesizing rubbery polymers, such as styrene-butadiene rubber, having a high trans microstructure. In one embodiment, the batch process involves mixing a catalyst system with styrene and butadiene monomers in a single reactor, with additional butadiene monomer being added after a desired period of time to further drive styrene conversion and, thus, provide a desirable high trans rubbery polymer, e.g., styrene-butadiene rubber. The copolymerization process can be conducted at a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 180° and over a period of about 1 to about 4 hours. The catalyst system can include (a) an organolithium compound, (b) a group IIa metal salt, and (c) an organoaluminum compound. The catalyst system may further optionally include an amine compound and/or an organomagnesium compound.

Abstract: An initiator is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers, to provide a functional head group on the polymer. A polymer having a functional head group derived from a sulfur containing anionic initiator, and optionally as additional functional group resulting from the use of a functional terminating reagent, coupling agent or linking agent is also provided. A method is presented for anionically polymerizing monomers comprising the step of polymerizing the monomers with a sulfur containing anionic initiator to provide a functional head group on the polymer. An elastomeric compound, comprising a functional polymer and filler is also described. Also provided is a tire having decreased rolling resistance resulting from a tire component containing a vulcanizable elastomeric compound.

Abstract: Process for preparing homopolymers of ?-methylstyrene, or copolymers of ?-methylstyrene and comonomers, by anionic polymerization in the presence of an initiator composition, which comprises using an initiator composition in which potassium hydride and at least one organylaluminum compound are present.

Abstract: Hot-melt processable adhesive, such as pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) or heat-activatable adhesive, compositions of the present invention possess a broad formulation latitude and adequate cohesive strength after application for use in high performance applications. Hot-melt processable adhesives of the invention comprise at least one block copolymer comprising at least two A blocks and at least one B block. The A and B blocks are derived from monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, which monomers result in saturated polymer backbones without the need for subsequent hydrogenation upon their polymerization. Preferably, the block copolymer is a (meth)acrylate block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ternary copolymer represented by the following formula (1) of the penta-block structure, wherein the molecular weight is 50, 000 to 400,000, pB is more than 70% of 1,4 structure, the content of pS is in range of 5% to 50%, and pB and pI are in a weight ratio of pB/pI?1. pS-pI-pB-pI-pS??(1) Wherein, pS is vinyl aromatic polymer, pB is polybutadiene and pI is polyisoprene. The block copolymer in the present invention with the structure, in which polyisoprene block is inserted between vinyl aromatic polymer block and polybutadiene block, has high mechanical properties such as tensile strength. The manufacturing method of the ternary block copolymer with penta-block structure is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binder composition comprising a low molecular weight polycarboxylic acid, such as maleic anhydride, and a low molecular weight poly alcohol, such as polyvinyl alcohol, that exhibits improved cure performance with reduced emissions without sacrificing the performance of the final product or complication the manufacturing process. The binder composition may also incorporate a cure catalyst or accelerant such as sodium hypophosphite.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified polymer rubber, which comprises the steps of: (1) reacting one part by mol of an organoalkali metal compound with n±0.7 (n is an integer of 3 or more) parts by mol of a specific diphenyl compound to produce a reaction mixture, (2) polymerizing in the presence of the produced reaction mixture an aromatic vinyl monomer and a conjugated diene monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent, and after completion of the polymerizing, stirring for at least 30 minutes, to produce a polymerization reaction mixture, and (3) repeating such an operation n−2 times that (i) an aromatic vinyl monomer and a conjugated diene monomer are added to the produced polymerization reaction mixture, and polymerized, and (ii) after completion of the polymerizing, stirring is carried out for at least 30 minutes, and thereby producing a modified polymer rubber, whose both ends and n−2 positions in its chain are modified by the compound represented by the formula (1).

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified polymer rubber having modified both ends, which comprises the steps of: (1) reacting a compound represented by the following formula (1) with an organic alkali metal compound to produce a chemical species, (2) polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or a combination of a conjugated diene monomer with an aromatic vinyl monomer in the presence of the chemical species to produce an active polymer having an alkali metal at an end thereof, and (3) reacting the active polymer with a functional group-carrying modifying agent in a hydrocarbon solvent to produce the modified polymer rubber having modified both ends.

Abstract: Hot-melt processable adhesive, such as pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) or heat-activatable adhesive, compositions of the present invention possess a broad formulation latitude and adequate cohesive strength after application for use in high performance applications. Hot-melt processable adhesives of the invention comprise at least one block copolymer comprising at least two A blocks and at least one B block. The A and B blocks are derived from monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, which monomers result in saturated polymer backbones without the need for subsequent hydrogenation upon their polymerization. Preferably, the block copolymer is a (meth)acrylate block copolymer.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula: FG—(Q)d—Z—J—[A(R1R2R3)]x  (I) wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R1R2R3)]x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylam

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula: FG—(Q)d—Z—J—[A(R1R2R3)]x  (I) wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R1R2R3)]x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylam

Abstract: Block copolymers comprise at least two hard blocks S1 and S2 made from vinylaromatic monomers and, between these, at least one random soft block B/S made from vinylaromatic monomers and from dienes, where the proportion of the hard blocks is above 40% by weight, based on the total block copolymer.

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a diene elastomer having a reduced amount of vinyl linkages, by anionic polymerization of one or more monomers comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer. The process for preparing the diene elastomer having a reduced amount of vinyl linkages comprises anionically polymerizing one or more monomers comprising at least one conjugated diene monomer in a polymerization medium comprising a hydrocarbon solvent, a polar agent comprising one or more heteroatoms and a monolitiated or polylithiated organolithiated initiator, wherein an organometallic complex of the formula LiAl(R)3(R′), in which Li is a lithium atom, Al is an aluminum atom, and R and R′ are each an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group, is added to the polymerization medium to produce the diene elastomer having a reduced amount of vinyl linkages.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solution of high molecular weight polymers of conjugated dienes in a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon by anionic polymerization of the diene in the presence of an alkyllithium as catalyst and a process for preparing impact-modified polymers of vinylaromatic compounds is described. The first process comprises firstly polymerizing the diene in solution in an aromatic hydrocarbon which is free of ethylenic double bonds to a molecular weight below about 105, then adding a trialkylaluminum in a molar excess relative to the alkyllithium, diluting the solution obtained with the vinylaromatic compound and then coupling the polydiene with a polyepoxide or an alkyl (meth)acrylate to give a high molecular weight polymer. The solution obtained in this way is further processed to give an impact-modified polymer of a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon by polymerizing the solution prepared as described, if desired after addition of further amounts of a vinylaromatic compound, in a manner known per se.

Abstract: The present invention relates to star-block interpolymers having the following structure (X-Y)n-C, wherein X represents a random copolymer block derived from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomer; Y represents a polyconjugated diene block; C represents a residue derived from a multifunctional lithium based initiator; and n represents the functionality of the initiator and has a value of not less than 3; and preparation of the same. The star-block interpolymers according to the present invention have in the same molecule both a random copolymer block derived from conjugated diene and monovinyl aromatic monomer and a rubber block selected from the group consisting of a homopolymer block derived from conjugated diene, a tapered copolymer block derived from conjugated dienes, a random copolymer block derived from conjugated dienes and combinations thereof, and hence possess excellent properties of the both kinds of rubbers, and can be used widely as elastomeric materials.

Abstract: In a process for the homopolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers or the copolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers and dienes, the monomers are polymerized in the presence of at least one alkali metal organyl, at least one magnesium organyl and at least one aluminum organyl. The invention also provides an initiator composition for carrying out the process.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a resist resin having in its structure a specific bridged-bond-containing aliphatic ring, and a resist composition comprising the same are provided. By using this resist composition, a resist pattern excellent in both transparency against short-wavelength light and dry-etching resistance can be formed by alkali development with high resolution.

Abstract: In a process for the homopolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers or the copolymerization of vinylaromatic monomers and dienes in the presence of at least one alkali metal compound and at least one compound of an element of group 3a of the Periodic Table of the elements, the compounds contain, based on the sum of molar equivalents of alkali metal and elements of group 3a, in each case a) from 0.1 to 3.9 molar equivalents of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen or phosphorus and b) from 0.1 to 3.9 molar equivalents of an organyl ligand.

Abstract: Polar polymers having the following formula: FG-(Q)d-Rn-Z-J-[A(R1R2R3)]x   (I) wherein FG is H or a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a polar hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a polar compound selected from group consisting of esters, amides, and nitrites of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 2000; R is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; n is an integer from 0 to 5; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R1R2R3)]x is a protecting group, in which A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure: M—Qn—Z—O—[A(R1R2R3)] wherein M is an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof into the M—Z linkage; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from carbon and silicon; R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, and n is an integer from 1 to 5, monof

Abstract: Hetero-telechelic polymers having the formula:FG--(Q).sub.d --Z--J--[A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)].sub.x (I)wherein FG is a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 200; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; [A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)].sub.x is a protecting group, wherein A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: This invention provides novel protected, multi-functionalized multi-arm polymers, their optionally hydrogenated analogues and optionally deprotected analogues thereof, and processes for making these compounds. In the invention, monomers are polymerized using a protected functionalized initiator to form living polymer anions, the living anions coupled to form multi-arm polymers, additional monomer added to form additional polymer arms, and the multi-arm polymer functionalized using electrophiles.

Abstract: This invention provides a process to produce coupled block copolymers and said coupled block copolymers.

Abstract: Processes for the synthesis of star or multi-branched polymers and the resultant polymers. One or more alkadiene monomers are polymerized in the presence of suitable organometallic initiators and subsequently coupled to form star polymers. Prior to coupling, one or more alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons are incorporated at the living ends of the polydienyl anions to provide increased linking efficiencies.

Abstract: Protected functional initiators have been demonstrated to polymerize dienes and alkenyl substituted aromatics. The resultant living anions were linked with a coupling agent, such as divinylbenzene or tin tetrachloride, to afford a protected functionalized star polymer. Subsequent deprotection afforded a star polymer, with functional groups on the end of each arm of the star. The star polymer could be hydrogenated before or after removal of the protecting groups. The newly liberated functional groups can participate in further polymerization chemistry.

Abstract: Polar polymers having the following formula:FG--(Q).sub.d --R.sub.n --Z--J--?A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)!.sub.x(I)wherein FG is H or a protected or non-protected functional group; Q is a polar hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a polar compound selected from group consisting of esters, amides, and nitriles of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof; d is an integer from 10 to 2000; R is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons, alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof; n is an integer from 0 to 5; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; J is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; ?A(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)!.sub.x is a protecting group, in which A is an element selected from Group IVa of the Periodic Table of Elements; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: Polyalkenylaromatic-polyethylene copolymers are prepared using protected functional organolithium initiators. Polymerization of an alkenylsubstituted aromatic monomer followed by ethylene, results in a protected functional block polystyrene-co-polyethylenyllithium. Termination with a functionalizing agent followed by deprotection produces polymeric products with high functionalization at the initiating chain-end and at least partial functionalization at the terminal chain-end.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Z--O--C(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)wherein M is an alkali metal; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl groups containing lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, aryl or substituted aryl groups containing lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, and lower dialkylamino groups, and their employment as initiators in the anionic polymerization of olefin containing monomers in an inert, hydrocarbon solvent comprising reacting an omega-protected-1-haloalkyl with lithium metal dispersion having a particle size between 10 and 300 millimicrons in size, at a temperature between 35.degree. and 130.degree. C. in an alkane solvent containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Q.sub.n --Z--OA(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is an aromatic substituted saturated hydrocarbyl group produced by the incorporation of one or more alkenyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbons containing 8-25 carbon atoms into the M--Z linkage; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from carbon and silicon; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, multi-arm or star-shaped polymers having mixed protected functional and non-functional ends, their optionally hydrogenated analogues, and the polymers produced by removal of the protecting groups. The invention also provides a process for the preparation of novel multi-arm or star-shaped polymers having branched-end functionality on some, but not all, of the branches. The multi-arm or star polymers of this invention are produced from more than one type of initiator, i.e., from both functional and non-functional initiators which, by design, incorporates both desired physical properties associated with multi-arm or star polymers with non-functional branch-ends and the versatility of functional branch end multi-arm or star polymers.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Z--O--C(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)wherein M is an alkali metal; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl groups, and their employment as initiators in the anionic polymerization of olefin containing monomers in an inert, hydrocarbon solvent comprising reacting an omega-protected-1-haloalkyl with lithium metal dispersion having a particle size between 10 and 300 millimicrons in size, at a temperature between 35.degree. and 130.degree. C. in an alkane solvent containing 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclic conjugated diene polymer comprising a main chain represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A to E are monomer units constituting the main chain in which A to E are arranged in any order, and l to p are, respectively, weight percentages of A to E, based on the total weight of A to E; A is selected from cyclic conjugated diene monomer units, B is selected from chain conjugated diene monomer units, C is selected from vinyl aromatic monomer units, D is selected from polar monomer units, and E is selected from an ethylene monomer unit and .alpha.-olefin monomer units; and l to p satisfy the following requirements: 0.5.ltoreq.l.ltoreq.100, 0.ltoreq.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Q.sub.n --Z--OA(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3)wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons and alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons; Z is a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from carbon and silicon; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.

Abstract: A diblock copolymer obtained by polymerizing acrylic, methacrylic or nonacrylic vinyl monomers in the presence of a polymerization initiating amount of an initiation system including (1) at least one functional initiator and (2) an alkali metal alcoholate. The alcoholate has the formula:R'OM'in which M' is an alkali metal and R' has the formula:R.sup.1 (OR.sup.2).sub.min which R.sup.1 is a linear or branched alkyl radical containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl radical, R.sup.2 is a linear or branched alkylene radical containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and m is the integer 1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: The invention is a practical process for anionically synthesizing multiblock polymers containing a plurality of blocks formed from polar and/or non-polar monomers by using a cyclic organometallic compound initiator that comprises a divalent metal atom and an organic moiety contained in a ring, preferably a cycloorganomagnesium initiator. Activation of the ring metallic atom results in anionic polymerization of the monomers by addition into the initiator ring at the bonds between the metallic atom and its two adjacent carbon atoms, the metallic atom acting as a bridge between the two living ends of the propagating chain. The active chain ends can be coupled or terminated.