“…Cross-linked polymers obtained by simultaneous polymerization/cross-linking of monomers containing multiple double bonds find a wide range of applications, such as ion exchange resins, adsorbents, molecularly imprinted polymers, supports for reagents in organic synthesis, enzyme immobilization, and drug delivery systems. A sequential approach wherein a soluble linear polymer is first synthesized, isolated, condensed with a functional monomer, and then cross-linked offers significant advantages. 1a-c Soluble linear poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), that is, poly(EGDMA), containing pendant unsaturation could be obtained by esterifying poly(methacrylic acid) with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). However, it is not clear if complete conversion could be achieved without cross-linking or homopolymerization of HEMA.…”