Ionic liquids in cationic polymerization: A review

This article reviews a progress reached in application of neutral and acidic ionic liquids (ILs) in cationic polymerization processes. The whole subject was divided into two parts: (i) neutral ILs as solvents for polymerization and (ii) acidic ILs as polymerization catalysts. Detailed examination of literature since the beginning of 1990s to 2023 year revealed the diversity of roles which ionic liquids could play in promotion of cationic polymerization. Special focus here is laid on the discussion of benefits, which ionic liquids are bringing into the proceeding of cationic polymerization. The synthesis and properties of (co)polymers from styrene and its derivatives, isobutylene, vinyl ethers and conjugated 1,3-dienes were discussed in this review in details. Thorough literature review shows that despite reaching a quite substantial research progress, sustainable development concept is still requiring "green" approaches toward polymers synthesis.