Synthesis and applications of heterobifunctional poly(ethylene oxide) oligomers

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) Vol. 49; no. 2; pp. 345 - 373
• Main Authors: Thompson, M.S., Vadala, T.P., Vadala, M.L., Lin, Y., Riffle, J.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 21-01-2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical modifications; Chemical reactions and properties; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Poly(ethylene oxide), PEO; Polyether; Polyethylene glycol, PEG; Polyether; Poly(ethylene oxide), PEO; Polyethylene glycol, PEG; Ethylene oxide polymer; PEO; Polyethylene glycol; Telechelic polymer; Preparation; Poly(ethylene oxide); Review; Oligomer; PEG; Polyether
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2007.10.029

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) oligomers are employed extensively in pharmaceutical and biomedical arenas mainly due to their excellent physical and biological properties, including solubility in water and organic solvents, lack of toxicity, and absence of immunogenicity. PEO can be chemically modified and reacted with, or adsorbed onto, other molecules and surfaces. Sophisticated applications for PEO have increased the demand for PEO oligomers with tailored functionalities, and heterobifunctional PEOs are often needed. This review discusses the synthesis and applications of heterobifunctional PEO oligomers possessing amine, carboxylate, thiol, and maleimide functional groups.