A Facile Two-Step Route to Branched Polyisoprenes via ABn-Macromonomers

A facile two-step synthesis for branched poly(isoprene)s (PI) based on polyaddition of AB n -type macromonomers is described. The synthesis of the macromonomers was achieved by anionic polymerization of isoprene and subsequent end-capping of the polymers by addition of chlorodimethylsilane to the living carbanions. This led to PI-based macromonomers with narrow polydispersity (M w /M n < 1.15) and molecular weights in the range of 1700 -22100 g mol -1 . Synthesis of the branched polymers was carried out by a hydrosilylation-based polymerization of the macromonomers. Characterization via SEC, SEC-MALLS, coupled SEC-viscosimetry and 1 H-NMR-spectroscopy supported the formation of branched str…

Macromol. Rapid Commun. 6/2007