Preparation of functional polymers phosphorus-containing organometal initiators

A method for preparing a polymer, the method comprising:

• i. preparing an initiator by reacting a vinyl organophosphine with an organometal compound;
• and
• ii. polymerizing conjugated diene monomer, optionally together with comonomer, by initiating the polymerization of the monomer with the initiator.

A functionalized polymer defined by the Formula V:

• where R1 and R2 are each independently monovalent organic groups, or where R1 and R2 join to form a divalent organic group, where R3, R4, and R5 are each independently hydrogen or monovalent organic groups, or where R3 and R4 join to form a divalent organic group, where R6 is a bond or a divalent organic group, P is a phosphorus atom, π is a polymer chain, and ω is a hydrogen atom, a terminal functional group, or a multivalent coupling group.

A functionalized polymer defined by the Formula VI:

• where R1 and R2 are each independently monovalent organic groups, or where R1 and R2 join to form a divalent organic group, where R3, R4, and R5 are each independently hydrogen or monovalent organic groups, or where R3 and R4 join to form a divalent organic group, where R6 is a bond or a divalent organic group, P is a phosphorus atom, π is a polymer chain, and ω is a hydrogen atom, a terminal functional group, or a multivalent coupling group.