In modern polymer science a variety of polymerization methods for the direct synthesis of polymers bearing functional groups are known. However, there is still a large number of functional groups that may either completely prevent polymerization or lead to side reactions. Post-polymerization modification, also known as polymer-analogous modification, is an alternative approach to overcome these limitations. It is based on the polymerization of monomers with functional groups that are inert towards the polymerization conditions but allow a quantitative conversion in a subsequent reaction step yielding a broad range of other functional groups. Thus, diverse libraries of functional polymers with identical average degrees of polymerization but variable side chain functionality may easily be generated. Filling the gap for a book dealing with synthetic strategies and recent developments, this volume provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field of post-polymerization modification. As such, the international team of expert authors covers a wide range of topics, including new synthetic techniques utilizing different reactive groups for post-polymerization modifications with examples ranging from modification of biomimetic and biological polymers to modification of surfaces. With its guidelines this is an indispensable and interdisciplinary reference for scientists working in both academic and industrial polymer research.

Table of Contents:
HISTORY OF POST-POLYMERIZATION MODIFICATION Introduction Post-polymerization Modification via Thiol-ene Addition Post-polymerization Modification of Epoxides, Anhydrides, Oxazolines, and Isocyanates Post-polymerization Modification of Active Esters Post-polymerization Modification via Thiol-Disulfide Exchange Post-polymerization Modification via Diels-Alder Reactions Post-polymerization Modification via Michael-Type Addition Post-polymerization Modification via Azide Alkyne Cycloaddition Reactions Post-polymerization Modification of Ketones and Aldehydes Post-polymerization Modifications via Other Highly Efficient Reactions Concluding Remarks POST-POLYMERIZATION MODIFICATIONS VIA ACTIVE ESTERS Introduction Active Esters in the Side Group Star Polymers Active Esters at the End Groups Controlled Positioning of Active Ester Moieties Summary THIOL-ENE BASED FUNCTIONALIZATION OF POLYMERS Introduction General Considerations and Mechanisms Functionalization of Polymers Summary THIOL-YNE CHEMISTRY IN POLYMER AND MATERIALS SCIENCE Introduction The Thiol-yne Reaction in Small-Molecule Chemistry The Thiol-yne Reaction in Polymer and Material Synthesis DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF MALEIMIDE GROUP CONTAINING POLYMERIC MATERIALS VIA THE DIELS-ALDER/RETRO DIELS-ALDER STRATEGY Introduction Maleimide Functional Group Containing Polymeric Materials The Diels-Alder/Retro Diels-Alder Cycloaddition-Cycloreversion Reactions Application of Diels-Alder/Retro Diels-Alder Reaction to Synthesize Maleimide-Containing Polymers Conclusions THE SYNTHESIS OF END-FUNCTIONAL RING-OPENING METATHESIS POLYMERS Introduction End-Functionalization Methods in General Functionalization during Initiation Functionalization after Propagation Functionalization during Propagation Conclusions and Outlook FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS WITH CONTROLLED MICROSTRUCTURE BASED ON STYRENE AND N-SUBSTITUTED MALEIMIDES Introduction Background on Radical Copolymerization of Styrene and Maleimides Precise Incorporation of Maleimide Units on Polystyrene Backbone Tuning a Simple Technique for the Preparation of Sequence-Controlled Polymers to the Elaboration of Functionalized Well-Defined Macromolecules Summary and Outlook TEMPERATURE-TRIGGERED FUNCTIONALIZATION OF POLYMERS Introduction Temperature-Triggered Alteration of Polymer Property Conclusions NEW FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS USING HOST?GUEST CHEMISTRY Introduction Polymers with Responsive Three-Dimensional Structures Polymer Probes for Specific Chemical Sensing Responsive Soft Materials Functional Polyrotaxanes GLYCOPOLYMERS VIA POST-POLYMERIZATION MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES Introduction Synthesis and Controlled Polymerization of Glycomonomers Post-polymerization Modification of Polymer Scaffolds to Synthesize Glycopolymers Azide - Alkyne Click Reactions Utilizing Thiol-Based Click Reactions Thiol-ene Click Reactions Thiol-yne Click Reactions Thiol-Halogen Substitution Reactions Alkyne/Alkene Glycosides: 'Backward' Click Reactions Post-polymerization Glycosylation of Nonvinyl Backbone Polymers Conclusions and Outlook DESIGN OF POLYVALENT POLYMER THERAPEUTICS Introduction Polyvalent Polymer Therapeutics Conclusions POSTTRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION OF PROTEINS INCORPORATING NONNATURAL AMINO ACIDS Posttranslational Modification of Existing Amino Acids within Protein Chain Exploiting Biosynthetic Machinery: Cotranslational Approach Intein-Inspired Ligation Approach Combined Approach Protein and Polymer Conjugates Modulating the Physicochemical Properties of Protein Polymers via NAA Incorporation Future in Combined Technologies to Fabricate Tailored Protein-Polymer Conjugates as New Materials Conclusion and Future Perspectives FUNCTIONALIZATION OF POROUS POLYMERS FROM HIGH-INTERNAL-PHASE EMULSIONS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS Introduction Functionalization of polyHIPEs Applications Conclusions POST-POLYMERIZATION MODIFICATION OF POLYMER BRUSHES Introduction Synthesis and Strategies for Functional Polymer Brushes Applications of Polymer Brush Modification: Multifunctional Surfaces via Photopatterning Conclusions and Future Outlook COVALENT LAYER-BY-LAYER ASSEMBLY USING REACTIVE POLYMERS Introduction Overview of Layer-by-Layer Assembly: Conventional versus Covalent Assembly Scope and Organization Covalent LbL Assembly Based on `'Click Chemistry' Reactive LbL Assembly Using Azlactone-Functionalized Polymers Other Reactions and Other Approaches Concluding Remarks INDEX