Poly(2‐oxazoline)s: a comprehensive overview of polymer structures and their physical properties—an update

Abstract

Abstract Poly(2‐alkyl/aryl‐2‐oxazoline)s (PAOxs) have gained immense attraction in the polymer research community because of their relative ease of microwave‐assisted synthesis, tailor‐made properties and, most importantly, recent recognition as an upcoming polymer platform for many medical and biological applications (next generation polymer therapeutics/biomaterials). The materials and solution properties of PAOx can be easily tuned by changing the side chain functionalities. This review describes very recent advances in structures and side‐chain‐dependent properties of PAOx that are reported in the literature from 2017 and onwards. The review starts with providing an encyclopaedic overview of newly reported PAOx homopolymers, including their design strategies and limitations. Subsequently, their side‐chain‐dependent thermal and solution properties are discussed. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.