Functional PEG-based polymers with reactive groups via anionic ROP of tailor-made epoxides

Polymer Chemistry Pub Date: 2012-01-12 DOI: 10.1039/C2PY00489E

Abstract

In this review article functional epoxide monomers that are suitable for controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP) are discussed. Functional epoxides possess reactive groups, which either are directly accessible or carry suitable protective groups that can be removed in a facile one-step reaction after polymerization. The methods used to obtain linear, functional aliphatic polyethers rely on living polymerization techniques for the synthesis of well-defined structures. Materials properties, such as thermo-responsive behavior in combination with different functional groups that can be addressed selectively, render these novel materials interesting for a variety of applications.

Graphical abstract: Functional PEG-based polymers with reactive groups via anionic ROP of tailor-made epoxides
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