Nomenclature of polymers

The ring-opening polymerizations of cyclic monomers such as propylene oxide 

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry [IUPAC, 1994] suggested the term polycondensation instead of step polymerization, but polycondensation is a narrower term than step polymerization since it implies that the reactions are limited to condensations—reactions in which small molecules such as water are expelled during polymerization. The term step polymerization encompasses not only condensations but also polymerizations in which no small molecules are expelled. An example of the latter is the reaction of diols and diisocyantes to yield polyurethanes (Eq. 1-6). The formation of polyurethanes follows the same reaction characteristics as the formation of polyesters, polyamides, and other polymerizations in which small molecules are expelled. 

Polymer nomenclature leaves much to be desired. A standard nomenclature system based on chemical structure as is used for small inorganic and organic compounds is most desired. 

Unfortunately, the naming of polymers has not proceeded in a systematic manner until relatively late in the development of polymer science. It is not at all unusual of a polymer to have several names because of the use of different nomenclature systems. The nomenclature systems that have been used are based on either the structure of the polymer or the source of the polymer [i.e., the monomer(s) used in its synthesis] or trade names. Not only have there been several different nomenclature systems, but their application has not always been rigorous. An important step toward standardization was initiated in the 1970s by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. 

The names of many polymers are based on the monomers from which they were prepared. There is, however, frequent variation in the format. A nomenclature of polymers was reconunended by lUPAC and is used in some publications. Strict adherence to the recommendation, however, is mainly found in reference wor. Also, problems are often encountered with complex polymeric structures that are crosslinked or have branches. In addition some polymers derive their names from trade names. For instance, a large family of polyamides is known as nylons. When more than one functional group is present in the structure, the material may be called according to all functional groups in the structure. An example is a polyesteramide. A thermoset polymer prepared from two different materials may be called by both names. For instance, a condensation product of melamine and formaldehyde is called melamine-formaldehyde polymer. 

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Rule 1.1 The formula representation of constitutional units shall be in accordance with usage in organic [8] and inorganic [9] chemistry, and with lUPAC rules for the nomenclature of polymers [2-6]. 

GENERIC SOURCE-BASED NOMENCLATURE OF POLYMERS 3.1 Fundamental Principles... 

The basic concept for generic source-based nomenclature of polymers is very simple just add the polymer class name to the source-based name of the polymer. Addition of the polymer class name is frequently optional in some cases, the addition is necessary to avoid ambiguity or to clarify. However, the addition is undesirable if it fails to add clarification. 

The Commission of Nomenclature of the Macromolecular Division of lUPAC International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) formulated general rules for the nomenclature of polymers (relevant publications see Sect. 1.4.4). Selected recommendations are explained in the following paragraph. 

The nomenclature of polymers is somewhat complex, due in part to the fact that the majority of polymers have more than one correct name moreover, in some cases the registered trade names are also used to denote some polymers. The criterion adopted here is to use names that most clearly and simply state the chemical structures of the polymers. The polymers in Tables 1.1a and 1.1b have been named following the basic rules of nomenclature. Thus, the prefix poly is placed before the name of the monomer, and the name of the monomer is set within parentheses unless it is a simple word. In the case of repeating units containing more than one monomer (examples in Table 1.1b), the words contained in parentheses after the prefix poly must describe the chemical structure of the repeating unit. 

The lUPAC has specific guidelines for the nomenclature of polymers. However, these names are quite frequently discarded for common names and even principal trade names. Even though there is currently no completely systematic polymer nomenclature, there are some widely accepted guidelines that are used to identify individual polymers. 

In ordinary organic chemistry, thioether is a synonym for sulfide. A thioether or sulfide is a compound that contains the R—S—R link. This is in contrast to the nomenclature of polymer chemistry. A polysulfide is a polymer that contains the —S—S— group in the backbone. However, a poly (sulfide), with sulfide in brackets, such as poly(phenylene sulfide) or... 

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