this invention discloses a process for making dilithium initiators in high purity . this process can be conducted in the absence of amines which is desirable since amines can act as modifiers for anionic polymerizations . the dilithium compounds made are highly desirable because they are soluble in aromatic solvents . the present invention also discloses a tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal - shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread , two spaced beads , at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads , wherein said tread is adapted to be ground - contacting , and wherein said tread is a cured the rubber formulation which is comprised of at least one rubbery polymer containing functional groups of the structural formula : wherein r , r ′ and r ″ can be the same or different , wherein r is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms , alkyl groups , aryl groups , alkaryl groups , and amino aryl groups , and wherein r ′ and r ″ represent alkyl groups alkyl groups that contain from 1 to 8 carbon atoms , and at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbon black and silica .