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The synthesis of diblock as well as gradient copolymers of N,N-diethyl glycidyl amine (DEGA) with ethylene oxide (EO) via anionic ring-opening polymerization is presented. The polymers exhibit low polydispersities (≤1.13) and molecular weights in the range of 3300-10 200 g mol−1. In PEG- co-PDEGA copolymers, incorporation of 4%-29% DEGA results in tailorable cloud point temperatures in aqueous solution and melting points depending on DEGA content. mPEG- b-PDEGA block copolymers can be quaternized to generate cationic double-hydrophilic polyelectrolyte copolymers with polyether backbone. Furthermore, mPEG- b-PDEGA has been used as dual reducing and capping agent for gold nanoparticle synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]