New Polymeric Materials Based on Element-Blocks

The concept and representative examples of element-block polymers are described. A structural unit consisting of various groups of elements is called an element-block. In this review, unique properties of element-block polymers composed of organoboron complexes, o-carboranes, and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes as typical examples of element blocks are illustrated. The design and synthesis of new element-blocks and development of methods forming higher-order structures for realizing the desired functions based on a bottom-up approach are explained.