Polymerization of monomers containing functional groups protected by trialkylsilyl groups, 4. Studies on anionic living polymerization of 4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)styrene†

Anionic polymerization of 4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)styrene (2) was investigated under high vacuum conditions (≈ 10−6 mbar). 2 was readily polymerized by lithium naphthalide to form a “living polymer” at −78°C. By subsequent acid hydrolysis of the resulting polymer, a linear, nearly monodisperse polymer of 4-vinylphenol of known molecular weight was obtained. Block copolymers of 2 with α-methylstyrene were also prepared by means of this living system.