Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a functionalized elastomer, comprising the step of polymerizing monomers comprising a conjugated diene monomer in the presence of a lathanide-based coordination polymerization catalyst activated with a magnesium compound of formula 1 where R1 is phenylene, or a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination of one or more phenylene groups and one or more linear or branched alkane diyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; Q is of formula 2 or 3 where R2 is phenyl, or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; where R3 and R4 are independently phenyl or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R2 and R3 taken together with the nitrogen atom represent a nitrogen containing heterocyclic group containing from 4 to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a functionalized elastomer, comprising the step of polymerizing monomers comprising a conjugated diene monomer in the presence of a lanthanide-based coordination polymerization catalyst activated with a magnesium compound of formula 1 Q-R1—Mg—R1-Q??1 where R1 is phenylene, or a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination of one or more phenylene groups and one or more linear or branched alkane diyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; Q is of formula 2 or 3 —S—R2??2 where R2 is phenyl, or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; where R3 and R4 are independently phenyl or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R2 and R3 taken together with the nitrogen atom represent a nitrogen containing heterocyclic group containing from 4 to 12 carbon atoms.