Macromolecular
radicals, radical polymers, and polyradicals bear unique functionalities
derived from their pendant radical groups. The increasing need for
organic functional materials is driving the growth in research interest
in macromolecular radicals for batteries, electronics, memory, and
imaging. This Viewpoint summarizes the current state-of-knowledge
regarding the macromolecular nitroxide radicals’ redox mechanism,
conductivity, chain conformation, controlled polymerization, network
structure, conjugated forms, and applications. The nitroxide radical
group is the focus because it is the most widely studied. Although
most literature focuses upon applications, an emerging body of work
is highlighting the fundamental physicochemical properties of macromolecular
radicals. To this end, this Viewpoint recommends areas of opportunity
in fundamental studies and best practices in reporting.