Macromolecular Engineering through Click Chemistry and Other Efficient Transformations

Precision synthesis of advanced polymeric materials requires efficient, robust, and facile chemical reactions. Paradoxically, the synthesis of increasingly intricate macromolecular structures generally benefits from exploitation of the simplest reactions available. This idea, combined with requirements of high efficiency, orthogonality, and simplified purification procedures, has led to the rapid adoption of “click chemistry” strategies in the field of macromolecular engineering. This Perspective provides context as to why these newly developed or recently reinvigorated reactions have been so readily embraced for the preparation of polymers with advanced macromolecular topologies, increased functionality, and…