Orthogonal synthesis and modification of polymer materials

Abstract

In this review, we detail the progress throughout the years toward developing truly orthogonal polymerization mechanisms and modification procedures en route to complex macromolecular structures built from synthetic polymer materials. The orthogonal modifications of polymer side-chains and end-groups via sequential click reactions is described providing post-polymerization routes to functional materials and unique polymer topologies. Further, historical and modern orthogonal polymerization methodologies are thoroughly reviewed showing the evolution of the field through the decades long study of selective polymerization mechanisms that provide unique copolymer structures that are typically difficult to achieve. These include the combinations of reversible deactivation radical polymerization mechanisms with a variety of polymerization mechanisms including ring opening polymerizations, ring opening metathesis polymerizations, and cationic polymerizations, to name a few.