Monomer

A monomer is a small molecule that can bond with other molecules to form a polymer. Repeating monomer units give polymers their chain-like structure.

Polymerization: A chemical process that joins monomers into polymer chains or networks. It is the general process by which monomers become polymers.
Molecular structure: The arrangement of atoms and bonds within a molecule. A monomer’s structure determines how it can connect to other molecules.
Ethylene: A two-carbon alkene used as a feedstock for polyethylene and other chemicals. Ethylene is the monomer that forms polyethylene by addition polymerization.
Polymer: A large molecule composed of repeated structural units connected by chemical bonds. A polymer is the larger product built from monomer units.
Step-growth polymerization: Polymer formation in which molecules react stepwise through functional groups, often releasing small molecules. Some monomers join gradually through reactions between their functional groups.
Chemical bond: An attractive interaction that holds atoms or ions together in a substance. New chemical bonds connect monomer units during polymer formation.
Styrene: An aromatic vinyl compound used to make polystyrene and other materials. Styrene molecules link together to produce polystyrene.
Oligomer: A molecule containing a small number of repeating units, intermediate in size between a monomer and a polymer. Oligomers contain a few linked units rather than one unlinked monomer.
Chain-growth polymerization: Polymer formation in which active chain ends add monomers one at a time. This pathway adds monomers to an activated growing chain.
Valence: The combining capacity of an atom, commonly described by the number of bonds it forms. A monomer’s available bonding capacity limits how many units it can connect.

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