This invention discloses a process for synthesizing a dendrimer of a
rubbery polymer comprising: (a) reacting a lithium terminated rubbery
polymer with a halogenated silicon containing compound to produce a
polymer which is terminated with halogenated silicon moieties, wherein
the halogenated silicon contain compound has at least four halogen atoms
which are bonded directly to silicon atoms, wherein the ratio of the
lithium terminated rubbery polymer to halogen atoms in the halogenated
silicon containing compound is within the range of 2:n to (n-1):n,
wherein n represents the number of halogen atoms that are bonded directly
to silicon atoms in the halogenated silicon containing compound, wherein
the halogenated silicon containing compound contains at least three
halogen atoms which are bonded directly to a silicon atom; (b) reacting
the polymer which is terminated with halogenated silicon moieties with a
molar excess of a tertiary alcohol to produce a polymer which is
terminated with hydroxy silyl moieties; and (c) allowing the polymer
which is terminated with the hydroxy silyl moieties to couple under
conditions sufficient to produce a dendrimer containing siloxane
linkages. It has also be found that similar dendrimers having improved
processability can be make utilizing halogenated tin containing compounds
in stead of the halogenated silicon containing compound.