Synthesis of syndiotactic polyaminostyrene derivatives by using cationic metallocene/borate catalysts

Syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS) derivatives containing amino group, namely poly[4-(N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)amino)styrene], poly[4-(N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)aminomethyl)styrene], and poly[4-(N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)-aminoethyl)styrene)], were synthesized by using cationic metallocene/borate catalysts. It was observed that the polymerization activity of the trialkylsilyl-protected aminostyrene and the syndiotacticity of polymers are dependent on the functionality itself, the steric nature of the functional group, metallocene, and cocatalyst, and the length of the methylene spacer between the phenyl and functional groups. A new family of functional syndiotactic polystyrenes were prepared by the acid hydrolysis of the trialkyl-masked poly(aminostyrenes).