Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
The nomenclature of copolymers includes the names of the monomers sepa-
rated by the interfix co-. Thus, 1-25 would be poly(vinylchloride-co-vinyl ace-
tate). The first monomer name is that of the major component, if there is one.
This system applies strictly only to copolymers in which the monomers are
arranged more or less randomly. If the comonomers are known to alternate, as in
1-26, the name would be poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride). Interfixes may be
omitted when the name is frequently used, as in styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers
(
Section 1.5.3
).
When the repeating unit of linear polymers contains other atoms as well as
carbon, the polymer can frequently be named from the linking group between
hydrocarbon portions. Thus, polymer 1-45
R
OCR'
O
1-45
is evidently a polyester,
H
RNCR'
O
1-46
is a polyamide,
H
RO CNR'
O
1-47
is a polyurethane,
H
H
RNCNR'
O
1-48
is a polyurea, and
O
RS
R'
O
1-49
