Nonterminated polymeric anions: The initiation of polymerization of certain polar monomers

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Abstract
The use of nonterminated polymeric anions in tetrahydrofuran solution at low temperatures to initiate the polymerization of a second monomer to form block copolymer has been extended to several polar monomers. Anions of polystyrene and of poly‐(methyl methacrylate) have been shown to initiate the polymerization of alkyl methacrylates, isopropyl acrylate, methacrylonitrile, and acrylonitrile. Isopropyl acrylate when initiated with sodium naphthalene under similar conditions gives some nonterminated polymeric anions, but nonpolymeric or low‐polymeric initiator is also present. The criteria for order of addition of monomers and proof of block copolymer formation are discussed.