p-(Iodomethyl) styrene was polymerized under the action of a radical initiator (AIBN). The polymerization proceeds with degenerative chain transfer and leads to well defined branched polymers with functional primary and secondary iodomethyl groups as revealed by NMR studies. The obtained polymer can be further used as macroinitiator for radical polymerization of styrene. This polymerization proceeds in controlled way to polystyrene star polymers with reactive groups at the end of their arms. The characterization of branched and star structures was performed by NMR and GPC with absolute molar mass detection (MALLS). (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.