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, functionalized heterotelechelic polymers, hydrogenated and/or deprotected analogues thereof, and processes to prepare these polymers. Monomers are polymerized using a protected functionalized initiator to form a living polymer, and the living polymer is reacted with an electrophile to form heterotelechelic polymers.

Abstract: Terminally functionalized silicone polymers prepared using protected functionalized initiators and processes for preparing the same. The silicone polymers includes protected, functionalized silicone polymers, such as mono-functional, homotelechelic, heterotelechelic, macromonomer, and radial polymers. The protected functionalized polymers can be optionally deprotected to afford functionalized silicone polymers.

Abstract: Terminally functionalized silicone copolymers prepared using protected functionalized initiators and processes for preparing the same. The silicone copolymers includes protected, functionalized silicone diene and/or alkenylsubstituted aromatic copolymers, such as mono-functional, homotelechelic, heterotelechelic, macromonomer, and radial copolymers. The protected functionalized copolymers can be optionally deprotected to afford functionalized silicone diene and/or alkenylsubstituted aromatic copolymers.

Abstract: Protected, functionalized telechelic polymers, hydrogenated and/or deprotected analogues thereof, and processes to prepare these polymers are disclosed. In the invention, a lithium initiator is added to a compound having at least two independently polymerizable vinyl groups to form a dilithium initiator. Monomer is then added to grow or polymerize polymer arms having living ends and the living ends functionalized.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved processes for the chemical reduction of imide esters to the corresponding amino alcohols with yields greater than 76%. A specific range of ethereal to hydrocarbon solvent ratio is used. The improved yield can be achieved using as a reducing agent lithium aluminum hydride or the less costly sodium aluminum hydride in combination with an additive such as lithium chloride.

Abstract: Protected, functionalized heterotelechelic polymers, hydrogenated and/or deprotected analogues thereof, and processes to prepare these polymers. Monomers are polymerized using a protected functionalized initiator to form a living polymer, and the living polymer is reacted with an electrophile to form heterotelechelic polymers.

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: A process for the preparation of lithium aluminum hydride in an ethereal solvent via the metathesis of sodium aluminum hydride and lithium chloride in a one direct step reaction comprising heating together sodium aluminum hydride and lithium chloride in an ethereal solvent at a temperature of 25.degree. C. to the reflux temperature of the solvent until the reaction is complete.

Abstract: A process for preparing functionalized alkyllithium compounds includes reacting in an inert solvent a protected functionalized alkyl halide with an alkali metal in the presence of a catalytic compound of the formula(RR.sup.1 R.sup.2 M.sup.a).sub.y A(R.sup.3).sub.xwherein R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or alkenyl groups containing one to thirteen carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is independently selected from aryl groups containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, four to six-membered heterocyclic carbon containing groups containing one to two heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur; hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, monoalkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl and dialkylphosphinoalkyl groups containing two to thirteen carbon atoms; M.sup.