The chain-end sulfonation of alpha,omega-dilithiopolystyrene prepared
by lithium naphthalenide as a difunctional initiator using 1,3-propane
sultone was studied by the characterization methodologies such as acid
/base titration, colorimetric method using methylene blue, two-phase t
itration with Hyamine 1622, size exclusion chromatographic analysis in
frared, and H-1 NMR spectroscopic analysis. The reactivity modificatio
n of alpha,omega-dilithiopolystyrene through the end-capping with 1,1-
diphenylethylene prior to the sulfoalkylation in benzene-tetrahydrofur
an (THF) (10:1, v/v) at 25-degrees-C with excess 1,3-propanesultone is
suggested as a useful method for the preparation of the corresponding
dilithium alpha,omega-disulfonated polystyrene in relatively high yie
ld based on the results from the acid/base titration (>85%).