A process for the manufacture of polymeric compounds which have any desired number of functional end groups. In this process, polyfunctional organoalkali metal compounds which have been manufactured by reaction of divinylbenzene with low molecular weight organoalkali metal compounds, are reacted direct, or after prior reaction with anionically polymerizable monomers, with reactive low molecular weight compounds. The polymeric compounds which have functional end groups can be employed, for example, as emulsifiers, secondary dispersions, secondary dispersing agents or polymeric carrier substances.