Recent developments in the field of star‐shaped polymers

Abstract
The interest for star‐shaped polymers arises from their unique structure and enhanced segment density. This paper will review the different methods of preparation for star‐shaped polymers. Two cases of special interest will be considered in greater detail: the core‐first method which gives access to end‐functionalized star‐shaped polymers and the three‐step method which leads to the so called hetero‐star copolymers with rather specific properties.