Five general routes for the preparation of polyoxyethylene [generally referred to as poly(ethylene glycol) or PEG] derivatives are described. These routes are (1) nucleophilic displacements with the alkoxide of PEG, (2) nucleophilic displacement on PEG–tosylate, –mesylate, or –bromide, (3) reductive amination of PEG–aldehyde, (4) reductive amination of PEG–amine, and (5) nucleophilic displacements on the s‐triazine derivatives prepared from s‐triazine trichloride (cyanuric chloride) and PEG. Eighteen derivatives are prepared and potential applications to catalysis, cell purifications, and other areas are discussed briefly.