Anionic synthesis of hydroxy-functionalized polymers using functionalized initiators and electrophilic termination

The results for efficient hydroxy-functionalization of polymeric organolith ium compounds in hydrocarbon solution at room temperature are described usi ng oxirane, methyloxirane, ethyloxirane, phenyloxirane and oxetane. Conditi ons for quantitative hydroxy-functionalization were observed for all oxiran es except methyloxirane, which undergoes significant proton transfer from t he methyl group. The use of protected hydroxy-functionalized alkyllithium i nitiators to prepare alpha,omega -heterotelechelic polymers with omega -ami no and omega -carboxy groups is described.