Rearrangement Reactions in Polymers

Rearrangement reactions are critical transformations in organic synthesis, and a comprehensive look at how they have been utilized so far in polymeric contexts is missing. Historically, these transformations have been implemented within the polymer periphery (e.g., side chains), and recently, there has been an expanding effort to implement them into polymer backbones. Considering these efforts, we compile the history of rearrangement reactions as applied in polymer contexts, detailing mechanisms, reaction conditions, goals for implementation of rearrangement, and location of implementation (i.e., propagating species, side chains, polymer backbones). In organizing this work, we hope to guide the further development of rearrangements as general tools for polymer modification and design.