# Recent Advances in the Stereoselective Polymerization of Epoxides and Applications of Stereocontrolled Polyethers

## TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress in making polymers from epoxides with specific stereochemistry and their applications.

## Contribution

The paper provides an updated overview of catalyst design and polymerization mechanisms in stereocontrolled polyether synthesis.

## Key findings

- Recent advances in catalyst design have improved stereoselective polymerization of epoxides.
- Stereocontrolled polyethers have found applications in thermoplastics and self-assembly.
- Isotactic polymers are highlighted as having promising specialized uses.

## Abstract

The stereoselective polymerization of racemic epoxides represents an increasingly powerful route to materials with tailored properties. Progress in this field is closely connected to advanced catalyst design and a growing understanding of polymerization mechanisms. This review briefly summarizes the historical development of the field and then focuses on research covering the past 10 years. Polyethers, already widely employed both for the mass market and for highly specialized applications, can be expected to gain further functionality and applicability based on these advances. A succinct final chapter provides an outlook, highlighting where stereocontrolled polyethers, in particular isotactic polymers, have already found fruitful application.

This review summarizes the current state of stereoselective epoxide polymerization, focusing especially on the past 10 years. Polymerization mechanisms, catalyst design strategies (both organometallic and metal‐free), and applications of stereocontrolled polyethers are discussed, including their use as thermoplastic materials or regarding interfaces and self‐assembly.© 2026 WILEY‐VCH GmbH