Reactive microgels—polymers intermediate in size between single molecules and particles

Reactive microgels are considered as soluble intramolecular cross‐linked macromolecules, with sizes comparable to linear or branched macromolecules and reactive groups at their surface or interior. This article is the written version of a Macrolux 1988 lecture. It presents the history and some more important results and relationship of synthesis, characterization and properties of this group of polymers and refers briefly to application.