Characterization of the functionalization reaction product of poly(styryl)lithium with ethylene oxide

The functionalization reaction of poly(styryl)lithiums (Mn = 1.3–9.9 × 103) with ethylene oxide in benzene proceeds quantitatively ( > 99%) to produce the corresponding hydroxyethylated polymer as determined by vapor phase osmometry, size exclusion chromatography, end‐group titration, thin layer chromatography, and 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. 13C‐NMR spectral analysis of the functionalized polystyrene with Mn = 1.3 × 103 was consistent with addition of only one ethylene oxide unit to poly(styryl)lithium, i.e., no evidence for ethylene oxide oligomerization was observed.