The methyl esters (5a and 5b) of two omega-(para styryl)alkanoic acids, 3-p
-styryl propionic and 5-p-styryl pentanoic acid, were respectively synthesi
zed from 3-phenyl propionic acid and 5-phenyl pentanoic acid in four reacti
on steps. These esters have been submitted to radical copolymerization with
styrene affording the corresponding copolymers. The methyl eater functions
were subsequently converted into the tri-n-butyltin carboxylates using bis
(tributyltin) oxide. This approach by-passes complications of radical polym
erization inhibition due to the presence of tin in the monomers. It also av
oids undesired, uncontrolled early stage polymerization of styryl moieties
during the hydrolysis of the methyl esters into the corresponding carboxyli
c acid precursors of the monomeric tin carboxylates. Finally, it reduces si
gnificantly the polymerization time. Characterizations of the tin functiona
lized polymers in solution and solid state by NMR, IR and thermal technique
s allow us to conclude that the tin atoms are tetracoordinated.