Studies in IVth group organometallic chemistry. VI: Preparation and polymerization of IVth group organometallic derivatives of styrene and α‐methylstyrene

The preparation of a series of IVth group organometallic vinyl monomers derived from styrene and α‐methylstyrene, respectively, is described. Thermal or radical‐initiated polymerization of the styrene derivatives afforded transparent, solid organometal‐substituted polystyrenes. The monomers of the general structure p ‐(CH 3 ) 3 M IV C 6 H 4 CH  CH 2 display appreciably different rates of radical‐initiated polymerization, in the order Pb > Si > C > Ge>Sn.