Synthesis and functionality of cyclophosphazene-based polymers

Linear poly(organophosphazene)s have been widely investigated, mainly to correlate the structure of inorganic - P=N- backbone bearing organic groups with their properties and functionalites. Our interests have been directed to relatively new types of polymers containing a cyclophosphazene unit in the side chains, main chains, or as central core and end groups. The phosphazene groups in these polymers can serve as modification sites of polymers, leading to new functionalized materials. The six or more reactive sites of cyclophosphazenes are suitable for the preparation of star-shaped polymers or hyperbranched polymers including dendrimers. Recent works related with polymeric self-assembly showed that some organocyclophosphazenes are useful motifs for the construction of supramolecules, reflecting the structural features of the cyclotri(phosphazene)s. In this review, we describe the synthesis and functionalities of polymers containing cyclotri(phosphazene)s.