FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMER, RUBBER COMPOSITION AND PNEUMATIC TIRE

The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I where n is an integer from 1 to 3; X is a tetravalent organic group selected from a hydrocarbyl group of formula CHwhere m is an integer from 1 to 10, a group of formula II where Ris C1 to C10 alkane diyl, and the group of phenyl diyl; Rand Rare independently selected from C1 to C10 alkyl, and a group of formula III where R, Rare independently C1 to C10 alkyl, and Ris C1 to C10 alkanediyl; or Rand Rtaken together with their common Si atom form a five-membered heterocyclic ring selected from formulas IV and V where R7 is from C1 to C10 alkyl.