The use of polymers other than divinylbenzene crosslinked polystyrene as supports in organic chemistry is discussed. Insoluble polymer alternatives to DVB crosslinked polystyrene discussed include porous polyethylene supports, polymer-supported functional colloids, micron and submicron-sized particles and hollow spheres and one-dimensional supports. Soluble polymers including polyethylene, poly(alkene oxide)s, polyacrylamides, and fluorinated acrylates are discussed along with thermomorphic strategies where liquid-liquid separation of a biphasic systems is used as a way to effect polymer recovery in systems that are monophasic on heating. (C) John Wiley & Sons, Inc.