The present invention discloses polymeric materials that incorporate a modified quinone moiety, either to cross-link the polymer or as a monomeric unit of the polymer These polymeric materials can be efficiently degraded through electrochemical reduction of the quinone leading to rapid hydrolysis of the pendant chemical groups and degradation of the polymer. Quinone-containing compositions and methods of producing electrochemically degradable polymers are disclosed. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, including, but not limited to, drug delivery, tissue regeneration, biomedical implants, and electronic systems.