Some More Insights on Precisely Controlled Polymer Architectures

Abstract

This themed issue of Macromolecular Rapid Communications highlights exciting recent developments in the field of macromolecular engineering. It follows a first opus (containing 1 feature article and 20 original communications) that was published earlier this year (issue 2, 2014). In fact, while planning this themed issue with the editorial team of Macromolecular Rapid Communications, it was quickly becoming evident that a single issue was not sufficient to give a comprehensive and coherent view of the whole field of macromolecular engineering. Indeed, we have been very positively surprised to receive a large number of top-quality manuscripts from all around the world. Thus, another selection of papers (1 review, 1 feature article and 15 original communications) is presented herein. Many of the reports in this issue describe versatile new synthetic routes that lead to excellent control of molecular weight, chain architecture, and functionality. Others describe simplified or more efficient routes to controlled-sequence or complex topologies that once required tedious syntheses. The diversity of the methods and materials reported here is a testament to the rapidly evolving nature of synthetic polymer chemistry. Considering that the development of many new advanced materials may rely on novel macromolecules of significant complexity or specific functionality, there is no doubt that macromolecular engineering must continue its evolution to keep pace with the needs of our rapidly growing society.