Living anionic polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D ₃) using functionalized initiation

A series of poly(dimethysiloxane) (PDMS) homopolymers were synthesized by living anionic polymerization using a protected amine functionalized initiator. Each functionalized initiator molecules had produced a macromolecule with the desired functionality at the chain end regardless to the molar mass of the polymer. The synthesis of PDMS homopolymers was done using 3-[(N-benzyl-N- methyl)-amino]-1-propyllithium. It was found that the protecting group was removed quantitively to yield a secondary amine functionality at the polymer chain end.