Synthetic
polymer chemistry endeavors to imitate the spatial and
temporal control exhibited within biological systems to obtain well-defined
polymeric materials with unique structures, properties, and applications.
This is often approached through the development of dynamic catalyst
(or initiator) systems that use external stimuli to elicit discrete,
site-specific transformations that impact the polymerization. Herein
we highlight developments in polymerizations that are modulated by
external stimuli, with particular focus on those systems that enable
notable changes in kinetics, monomer selectivity, polymer architecture,
or tacticity. Examples of external stimuli include chemical oxidants
or reductants, light, applied voltage, and mechanical force.