Polymerization of styrene with n‐butyllithium–titanium tetrachloride catalysts

The polymerization of styrene by n‐butyllithium and titanium tetrachloride has been examined. Isotactic polystyrene is obtained only when 3.00 > n‐BuLi/TiCl4 > 1.75. At ratios less than 1.75 and greater than 3.00 only amorphous polystyrene (soluble in MEK) was formed. The molecular weights of the amorphous fraction were determined, and it was interesting to note that the amorphous polymer shows strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Concomitantly with the formation of isotactic polystyrene, trans‐stilbene was also formed.