Click chemistry

proposed by Sharpless in 2001

has become a powerful and versatile synthetic tool because of some unique advantages

such as mild and simple reaction conditions

high efficiency and selectivity

and exceptional tolerance towards a wide range of functional groups and reaction conditions.In this review

the development of click chemistry (e.g.

its history

characteristics and classifications) is firstly introduced.Subsequently

this paper focuses on the applications of click chemistry in the synthesis of a variety of topological polymers

including linear

brush-shaped

star-like

cyclic polymers

and dendrimers.Finally

the limitations and prospects of click chemistry are also discussed.