S,s′-bis-(α, α′-disubstituted-α-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonates and derivatives as initiator-chain transfer agent-terminator for controlled radical polymerizations and the process for making the same

A polymer, comprising:

• repeat units derived from the free radical polymerization of at least one vinyl monomer, or at least one conjugated diene monomer, or combinations thereof, in the presence of a s,s′-bis-(α, α′-disubstituted-α″-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate compound having the formula:
• wherein R1 and R2, independently, is an alkyl having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, or a substituted C1 to about C6 alkyl having one or more substituents, or one or more aryls, or a substituted aryls having from 1 to 6 substituents on the aryl ring;
• wherein said one or more substituents, independently, are selected from an alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl, a halogen which can be the same or different, a cyano, an ether having a total of from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, a nitro, and combinations thereof;
• and wherein R1 and R2 are part of a cyclic ring having from about 5 to about 12 total carbon atoms.