Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making polystyrene with M.sub.w between about 1,000 and about 50,000 and M.sub.w /M.sub.n ratio of less than about 8 by cationically polymerizing styrene monomer under substantially isothermal conditions where the conversion of styrene monomer is carried out in 2 or more stages by contacting with a cation generator. The polystyrene product finds utility as plasticizer for high molecular weight polystyrenes, as a binder resin in various coating applications, and as a precursor for further functionalized polystyrene derivatives. For example, a polystyrene of about 13,000 M.sub.w and M.sub.w /M.sub.n of about 4.9 is prepared by contacting styrene monomer with BF.sub.3 in 4 stages between a temperature of about 60.degree. C. and about 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making polystyrene with M.sub.w between about 200 and about 50,000 and M.sub.w /M.sub.n ratio of less than about 8 by cationically polymerizing styrene monomer under substantially isothermal conditions where the conversion of styrene monomer is carried out in 2 or more stages by contacting with a cation generator. The polystyrene product finds utility as plasticizer for high molecular weight polystyrenes, as a binder resin in various coating applications, and as a precursor for further functionalized polystyrene derivatives. For example, a polystyrene of about 13,000 M.sub.w and M.sub.w /M.sub.n of about 4.9 is prepared by contacting styrene monomer with BF.sub.3 in 4 stages between a temperature of about 60.degree. C and about 80.degree. C.

Abstract: New organic compounds, comprising tris(polyhalophenoxy)-s-triazines, e.g., tris-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine. These new compounds have demonstrated utility as fire retardant additives for various polymers.