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

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.