Diene polymers and copolymers terminated by reaction with N-alkyl and N-aryl imines

A terminally functionalized polymer prepared by reacting a living polymer obtained by anionic polymerization of a diene monomer or a mixture of a diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer with a compound having the formula:

• ##STR13## Wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, dialkylaminoaryl, aralkyl, and aprotic O, N, and S-containing alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and aralkyl groups;
• wherein R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, dialkylaminoaryl, aralkyl, and aprotic O, N and S- containing alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and aralkyl groups;
• With the proviso that at least one of the R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 groups must be a dialkylaminoaryl group and that not all of the R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 groups can be aryl groups.

An elastomer composition adapted for use in forming the tread portion of tires having reduced rolling resistance which comprises a terminally functionalized elastomeric polymer and rubber additives, wherein said terminally functionalized polymer is prepared by reacting a living polymer obtained by anionic polymerization of a diene monomer or mixture of a diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer with a compound having the formula:

• ##STR14## Wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, dialkylaminoaryl, aralkyl, and aprotic O, N, and S-containing alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and aralkyl groups;
• wherein R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, dialkylaminoaryl, aralkyl, and aprotic O, N, and S - containing alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and aralkyl groups;
• With the proviso that at least one of the R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 groups must be a dialkylaminoaryl group and that not all of the R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 groups can be aryl groups.