Introduction and Nomenclature - Principles of Polymer Chemistry - page 7

Telechelic polymers are macromolecules with reactive functional groups at the terminal ends of
the chains. An example of telechelic polymer is polybutadiene with carboxylic acid end groups

HOOC COOH

n

Into a special category should be placed starburst dendrimer polymers . These molecules are
formed by growing them in three dimensions. These materials often possess radially symmetrical
star-shaped structures with successive cascades of branched polymer structures. For additional
discussions see Chap. 6 .
Another group of polymers are the rotaxanes . They too are discussed in Chap. 7 . The materials
consist of polymeric chains that are threaded through macrocycles:

Z

m

n

Tables 1.1 and 1.2 illustrate some common chain-growth and step-growth polymers as well as
monomers used in their preparations.

1.3 Nomenclature of Polymers

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 recommended by IUPAC
[ 21 - 23 ] and is used in some publications. Strict adherence to the recommendation, however, is
mainly found in reference works. 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. Also, 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.

1.3.1 Nomenclature of Chain-Growth Polymers

1. A polymer of unspecified chain length is named with a prefix The prefix is then followed by

the name of the monomer. Also, it is customary to use the common names of monomers and
polymers. For instance, common names for phenylethene and polyphenylethene are styrene and
polystyrene. This, however, is not an inflexible rule. When the monomer is named by a single
word then the prefix poly is simply added like polyethylene for a polymer of ethylene or
polystyrene for a polymer of styrene. If, however, the monomer is named by two words or is
preceded by a number, like methyl methacrylate, parentheses are used. Examples are poly(methyl
methacrylate) or poly(1-hexene).
2. End groups are usually not specified in high polymers. End groups, however, can be known parts
of the structure. This can be the case with telomers. Here, the end groups are named as radicals,

poly.