Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) as a reactive polymer for materials development

Abstract

Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) has attracted growing interest as a reactive polymer that can be used as a starting material for the construction of more complex structures containing macromolecular components as well as specific molecules or desired functional groups. The unique advantages of this polymer result from the presence of multiple reactive sites located in the side chains. Taking advantage of the highly effective ring-opening of the oxazoline pendant rings, the required modification can be achieved by a simple addition reaction. Additionally, poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) belongs to a class of biocompatible, water-soluble polymers, which makes it a valuable component of many innovative materials that can be obtained by post-polymerization modification methods. The presented mini-review briefly describes the synthetic routes leading to the preparation of a polymer with a carbon skeleton with preservation of the side oxazoline rings. Furthermore, chosen examples of post-polymerization modification allowing for the preparation of advanced materials are highlighted.