Ring-opening polymerization of representative carbocyclic and oxacyclic monomers: Versatile platform toward advanced functional polymers

Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) has emerged as a significant method in polymer synthesis, with a focus on designing and creating diverse cyclic monomers that enhance and diversify the properties of the resultant polymers. This review presents a comprehensive summary on the ROP of some classical strained and non-strained carbocyclic and oxacyclic cyclic monomers, including cyclic hydrocarbons, cyclic lactones, norbornene and its derivatives, spirocycles, etc., towards promising functional polymer materials. It highlights their characteristic polymerization methods and reviews representative research studies in the preparation of functional polymers. Furthermore, it explores the evolving realm of ROP, particularly in the development of closed-loop recyclable polymers with exceptional properties. By examining cyclic monomers of varying sizes, strains, and chemical structures, this review also delves into their potential applications across fields such as microelectronics, life sciences, medicine, and battery materials. The insights and findings discussed herein offer valuable guidance for future research in this dynamic area of polymer chemistry.