The attributes and design of soluble polymer supports for catalysis and syn
thesis are discussed. By manipulating polymer structure, polymer supports c
an be prepared so that the solubility of an attached reagent. substrate, or
ligand is affected by heating, cooling, pH, or solvent identity. Supports
with such engineered solubility are useful both in organic synthesis and ca
talysis. They can be used as purification handles in organic synthesis as a
way to recover catalysts, as a way to turn reactions on or off. and more g
enerally. as a handle for separations. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.