Question

how does living polymerization differ from ordinary addition polymerization? show how the former can be used to synthesize styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers.

Answer 1

Living polymerisation is different from the ordinary addition polymerisation in a way that the ability of polymer chain to terminate has been removed.

In addition polymerisation small monomer units bind together to form a polymer molecule without any loss of byproduct.

To make styrene butadiene block polymers, monomer styrene is polymerised into polystyrene using anionic initiator butyl lithium.

Then butadiene monomer is added into polystyrene.now again add styrene monomer and styrene buyadiene styrene triblock copolymer is ready. As simple as that.