A facile two-step route to branched polyisoprenes via AB _n-macromonomers

A facile two‐step synthesis for branched poly(isoprene)s (PI) based on polyaddition of ABn‐type macromonomers is described. The synthesis of the macromonomers was achieved by anionic polymerization of isoprene and subsequent end‐capping of the polymers by addition of chlorodimethylsilane to the living carbanions. This led to PI‐based macromonomers with narrow polydispersity (/ < 1.15) and molecular weights in the range of 1 700 – 22 100 g · mol−1. Synthesis of the branched polymers was carried out by a hydrosilylation‐based polymerization of the macromonomers. Characterization via SEC, SEC‐MALLS, coupled SEC‐viscosimetry and 1H‐NMR‐spectroscopy supported the formation of branched structures. Interestingly, these branched polymers exhibited α‐values that were similar to those reported for hyperbranched polymers based on AB2‐monomers.