Abstract Owing to the fact that sulfur can exist in different oxidation states and that in each oxidation state it can form different functions, there exist many different sulfur-containing chemical functions with a widespread array of chemical and physical properties. Consequently, sulfur-containing polymers vary from highly reactive to chemically inert substances; they can have high softening points or be viscous oils, be thermally stable or not. Some of these polymers have found commercial applications, others are of academic interest.