Original azlactone functionalized polyHIPEs have been successfully synthesized by a direct copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and N-(p-vinylbenzyl)-4,4-dimethylazlactone (VBM). Loadings in azlactone groups up to 1.89 mmol g(-1) were obtained. These materials possess a high level of pores completely interconnected with a medium range of specific surface area. In addition, the efficiency of such versatile polyHIPEs as amine scavengers has been compared in batch and in flow-through processes. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.