Anionic synthesis of amine ω-terminated β-myrcene polymers

Well-defined amine omega-terminated beta-myrcene polymers were synthetized via anionic living polymerization under an inert atmosphere with dropwise addition of equimolar amounts of N-benzylidenetrimethylsilylamine to beta-myrcene polymer living chain ends in benzene at 25 degrees C. Chain coupling and acetophenone polymers were not detected as side products. End-group titration with perchloric acid showed a polymer amination yield of up to 85 % of omega-terminated beta-myrcene polymers. The amine omega-terminated beta-myrcene polymers were synthesized with a narrow molecular weight distribution ((M) over bar (w)/(M) over bar (n) approximate to 1.1) as calculated by GPC analysis using polystyrene standards. Functionalization of the amine group in the polymer chain was corroborated with FTIR, H-1-NMR, and C-13-RMN spectra. A higher yield of the amine omega-terminated beta-myrcene polymer was not achieved due to differences in isomer conformation in the beta-myrcene polymer.