Anionic polymerization methods: An efficient tool for the synthesis of tailor‐made macromolecules

The criteria of livingness, as applied to anionic polymerizations, are discussed. A number of restrictions have to be taken into consideration, if anionic polymerizations are to be applied to the synthesis of model polymers, Several examples of synthesis of tailor‐made polymers via anionic polymerization are presented, namely end‐functionalizations, chain extensions, end‐to‐end cyclizations, block copolymer synthesis, grafting processes, methods to make star polymers. In each case the reliability of the methods is discussed thoroughly.