Bis-[3-(vinyloxyethoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl-]polysulfides (BVPS) have been prepared by reacting ethylene glycol vinyl glycidyl ether (EGVGE) with Na2S4 in the presence of NaHCO3 and a phase transfer catalyst, triethylbenzylammonium chloride. The polysulfides obtained are inactive in radical polymerization but polymerize readily upon thermal initiation (140 degrees C, 1 h) or in the presence of cationic catalysts [BF3 center dot OEt2, CF3COOH, H(AuCl4)center dot 4H(2)O, LiBF4-dimethoxyethane, 20-70 degrees C]. Polymerization leads to the formation of crosslinked polymers. It has been shown that BVPS and their polymers can be used as active binders in cathode compositions of lithium-sulfur power sources. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.