The chronology of 2-alkenyl azlactone research at 3M is discussed in terms of its origination; consideration of economics, overall safety, and opportunities for patent protection, elaboration of the chemistry; and. finally, applying lessons learned toward the development of commercial technologies. The chemistry is dominated by the presence of three electrophilic reaction centers and a readily polymerizable 2-alkenyl group. Technological development has been focused in four general areas: acrylamide monomers, acrylamide materials, azlactonc materials, and polymer modification. Application areas disinclude lithographic printing plates, contact lens materials, adhesives dispersants for printing inks, and supports for immobilizing enzymes.