Unveiling Proton Transfer as the Key Process to Understand and Promote the Ring-Opening Polymerization of N-Carboxyanhydrides

-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) holds great potential for the efficient preparation of versatile and biocompatible poly-(amino acid)-s, such as polypeptides and polypeptoids. This perspective highlights the pivotal role of proton transfer in NCA ROP, emphasizing the use of proton transfer catalysts (PTCs) such as carboxylic acids and water to enhance polymerization kinetics and achieve (unprecedented) polymers with high molecular weights. Further studies on the exploration and rational design of PTCs offers promising opportunities to further innovate NCA ROP chemistry and broaden its applications in material science.