In modern polymer science, various polymerization methods exist for synthesizing polymers with functional groups, yet many functional groups can hinder polymerization or cause side reactions. To address these challenges, post-polymerization modification, or polymer-analogous modification, offers a viable alternative. This method involves polymerizing monomers with functional groups that remain inert during the initial polymerization but can be transformed in subsequent reactions, allowing for the generation of a diverse array of functional groups. This approach enables the creation of libraries of functional polymers with consistent average degrees of polymerization but varying side chain functionalities. Filling a crucial gap in the literature, this volume presents a thorough and current overview of post-polymerization modification strategies and recent advancements. An international team of expert authors explores a wide range of topics, including innovative synthetic techniques that utilize different reactive groups for modifications, with applications spanning biomimetic and biological polymers to surface modifications. This work serves as an essential interdisciplinary reference for scientists engaged in both academic and industrial polymer research.
