A molecule of high relative molecular mass, the structure of which essentially comprises the multiple repetition of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of low relative molecular mass.

1 In many cases, especially for synthetic polymers, a molecule can be regarded as having a high relative molecular mass if the addition or removal of one or a few of the units has a negligible effect on the molecular properties. This statement fails in the case of certain macromolecules for which the properties may be critically dependent on fine details of the molecular structure.

If a part or the whole of the molecule has a high relative molecular mass and essentially comprises the multiple repetition of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of low relative molecular mass, it may be described as either macromolecular or polymeric, or by polymer used adjectivally.

A molecule of intermediate relative molecular mass, the structure of which essentially comprises a small plurality of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of lower relative molecular mass.

1 A molecule is regarded as having an intermediate relative molecular mass if it has properties which do vary significantly with the removal of one or a few of the units.

2 If a part or the whole of the molecule has an intermediate relative molecular mass and essentially comprises a small plurality of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of lower relative molecular mass, it may be described as oligomeric, or by oligomer used adjectivally.

A molecule which can undergo polymerization (see Definition 3.1), thereby contributing constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) to the essential structure of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1).

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1), the structure of which essentially comprises the repetition of a single constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14) with all units connected identically with respect to directional sense.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1), the structure of which essentially comprises the repetition of more than one type of constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14), or a macromolecule the structure of which comprises constitutional units not all connected identically with respect to directional sense.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1), the structure of which essentially comprises the multiple repetition in linear sequence of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of low relative molecular mass.

An oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.2), the structure of which essentially comprises the repetition of a single constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14) with all units connected identically with respect to directional sense.

The largest constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14) contributed by a single monomer molecule (see Definition 1.3) to the structure of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) or oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.2).

The largest constitutional unit contributed by a single monomer molecule to the structure of a macromolecule or oligomer molecule may be described as either monomeric, or by monomer used adjectivally.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) with structurally-localized chemical functionality enabling it to act as a monomer molecule (see Definition 1.3).

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) or oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.2) capable of entering into further polymerization (see Definition 3.1) through reactive end-groups (see Definition 1.35), often deliberately introduced.

The largest constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14) contributed by a single macromonomer molecule (see Definition 1.9) to the structure of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1).

The number of monomeric units (see Definition 1.8) in a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) or oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.2), a block (see Definition 1.62), or a chain (see Definition 1.30).

An atom or group of atoms (with pendant atoms or groups, if any) comprising a part of the essential structure of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1), an oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.2), a block (see Definition 1.62), or a chain (see Definition 1.30).

The smallest constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14), the repetition of which constitutes a regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4), a regular oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.7), a regular block (see Definition 1.62), or a regular chain (see Definition 1.30).

A constitutional repeating unit (see Definition 1.15) in a regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4), a regular oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.7), a regular block (see Definition 1.62), or a regular chain (see Definition 1.30), the configuration of which is defined at least at one site of stereoisomerism in the main chain (see Definition 1.34).

The smallest set of successive configurational base units (see Definition 1.17) that prescribes configurational repetition at one or more sites of stereoisomerism in the main chain (see Definition 1.34) of a regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4), a regular oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.7), a regular block (see Definition 1.62), or a regular chain (see Definition 1.30).

A configurational repeating unit (see Definition 1.18) having defined configuration at all sites of stereoisomerism in the main chain (see Definition 1.34) of a regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4), a regular oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.7), a regular block (see Definition 1.62), or a regular chain (see Definition 1.30).

The orderliness of the succession of configurational repeating units (see Definition 1.18) in the main chain (see Definition 1.34) of a regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4), a regular oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.7), a regular block (see Definition 1.62), or a regular chain (see Definition 1.30).

A regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4) in which the configurational (repeating) units (see Definitions 1.16 and 1.18) are all identical.

A regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4) comprising only one species of stereorepeating unit (see Definition 1.19).

A tactic macromolecule (see Definition 1.21) comprising only one species of configurational base unit (see Definition 1.17), which has chiral or prochiral atoms in the main chain (see Definition 1.34), in a unique arrangement with respect to its adjacent constitutional units (see Definition 1.14).

In an isotactic macromolecule, the configurational repeating unit (see Definition 1.16) is identical with the configurational base unit.

A tactic macromolecule (see Definition 1.21) comprising alternating enantiomeric configurational base units (see Definition 1.17), which have chiral or prochiral atoms in the main chain (see Definition 1.34), in a unique arrangement with respect to their adjacent constitutional units (see Definition 1.14).

In a syndiotactic macromolecule, the configurational repeating unit consists of two configurational base units that are enantiomeric.

A regular macromolecule (see Definition 1.4) in which the configurational (base) units (see Definitions 1.16 and 1.17) are not all identical.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) which is composed of blocks (see Definition 1.62) in linear sequence.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) with one or more species of block (see Definition 1.62) connected to the main chain (see Definition 1.34) as side chains (see Definition 1.53), these side chains having constitutional or configurational features that differ from those in the main chain.

A block macromolecule (see Definition 1.26) composed of stereoregular, and possibly non-stereoregular, blocks (see Definition 1.62).

The whole or part of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1), an oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.2), or a block (see Definition 1.62), comprising a linear or branched sequence of constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) between two boundary constitutional units, each of which may be either an end-group (see Definition 1.35), a branch point (see Definition 1.54), or an otherwise designated characteristic feature of the macromolecule.

1 Except in linear single-strand macromolecules (see Definition 1.39), the Definition of the chain may be somewhat arbitrary.

An arbitrarily chosen contiguous sequence of constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) in a chain (see Definition 1.30).

A chain (see Definition 1.30) with no branch points (see Definition 1.54) intermediate between the boundary units.

A chain (see Definition 1.30) with at least one branch point (see Definition 1.54) intermediate between the boundary units.

That linear chain (see Definition 1.32) to which all other chains, long (see Definition 1.36) or short (see Definition 1.37) or both, may be regarded as being pendant.

Where two or more chains could equally be considered to be the main chain, that one is selected which leads to the simplest representation of the molecule.

A constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14) which is an extremity of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1).

A chain (see Definition 1.30) that comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) always joined to each other through two atoms, one on each constitutional unit.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) that comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) always joined to each other through two atoms, one on each constitutional unit.

A chain (see Definition 1.30) that comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) always joined to each other through three or four atoms, two on one side and either one or two on the other side of each constitutional unit.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) that comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) always joined to each other through three or four atoms, two on one side and either one or two on the other side of each constitutional unit.

A doubly-stranded chain (see Definition 1.40), consisting of an uninterrupted sequence of rings, with adjacent rings having only one atom in common.

A doubly-stranded macromolecule (see Definition 1.41), consisting of an uninterrupted sequence of rings, with adjacent rings having only one atom in common.

A doubly-stranded chain (see Definition 1.40), consisting of an uninterrupted sequence of rings, with adjacent rings having two or more atoms in common.

A doubly-stranded macromolecule (see Definition 1.41), consisting of an uninterrupted sequence of rings, with adjacent rings having two or more atoms in common.

A chain (see Definition 1.30) that comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) always joined to each other through more than four atoms, more than two on at least one side of each constitutional unit.

A chain that comprises constitutional units always joined to each other through n atoms on at least one side of each constitutional unit is termed an n-strand chain, e.g., three-strand chain. If an ambiguity exists in defining n, the highest possible number is selected.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) that comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) always joined to each other through more than four atoms, more than two on at least one side of each constitutional unit. Note A macromolecule that comprises constitutional units always joined to each other through n atoms on at least one side of each constitutional unit is termed an n-strand macromolecule, e.g., three-strand macromolecule. If an ambiguity exists in defining n, the highest possible number is selected.

The sequence of atoms in the constitutional unit(s) (see Definition 1.14) of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1), an oligomer molecule (see Definition 1.2), a block (see Definition 1.62), or a chain (see Definition 1.30), which defines the essential geometric representation.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) containing a single branch point (see Definition 1.54) from which linear chains (see Definition 1.32) (arms) emanate.

1 A star macromolecule with n linear chains (arms) attached to the central unit is termed an n-star macromolecule, e.g., five-star macromolecule.
2 If the arms of a star macromolecule are identical with respect to constitution and degree of polymerization, the macromolecule is termed a regular star macromolecule.
3 If different arms of a star macromolecule are composed of completely different monomeric units, the macromolecule is termed a segregated star macromolecule.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) comprising a main chain (see Definition 1.34) with trifunctional branch points (see Definition 1.54) from which linear side chains (see Definition 1.53) emanate.

If the subchains between the branch points of the main chain and the terminal subchains of the main chain are identical with respect to constitution and degree of polymerization, and the side chains are identical with respect to constitution and degree of polymerization, the macromolecule is termed a regular comb macromolecule.

An oligomeric (see Definition 1.2) or polymeric (see Definition 1.1) offshoot from a macromolecular (see Definition 1.1) chain (see Definition 1.30).

1 A branch point from which f linear chains emanate may be termed an f-functional branch point, e.g., five-functional branch point. Alternatively, the terms trifunctional, tetrafunctional, pentafunctional, etc. may be used, e.g., pentafunctional branch point.

A branch unit from which f linear chains emanate may be termed an f-functional branch unit, e.g., five-functional branch unit. Alternatively, the terms trifunctional, tetrafunctional, pentafunctional, etc. may be used, e.g., pentafunctional branch unit.

An offshoot, neither oligomeric (see Definition 1.2) nor polymeric (see Definition 1.1), from a chain (see Definition 1.30).

2 In the literature, the term "macrocycle" is sometimes used for molecules that would not be considered "macromolecules" as specified in Definition 1.1.

A highly ramified macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) in which each constitutional unit (see Definition 1.14) is connected to each other constitutional unit and to the macroscopic phase boundary by many permanent paths through the macromolecule, their number increasing with the average number of intervening bonds; the paths must on the average be coextensive with the macromolecule.

1 Usually, and in all systems that exhibit rubber elasticity, the number of distinct paths is very high, but, in most cases, some constitutional units exist which are connected by a single path only.

2 If the permanent paths through the structure of a network are all formed by covalent bonds, the term covalent network may be used.

3 If the permanent paths through the structure of a network are not all formed by covalent bonds, but at least in part by attractive physical interactions, the term physical network may be used.

A small region in a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) from which at least four chains (see Definition 1.30) emanate, and formed by reactions involving pairs of sites or groups on existing macromolecules or by interactions between existing macromolecules.

1 The small region may be an atom, a group of atoms, or a number of branch points connected by bonds, groups of atoms, or oligomeric chains.

2 In the vast majority of cases, a crosslink is a covalent structure but the term is also used to describe sites of weaker chemical interactions, portions of crystallites, and even physical entanglements.

A portion of a macromolecule (see Definition 1.1), comprising many constitutional units (see Definition 1.14), that has at least one feature which is not present in the adjacent portions.

The whole or part of a chain (see Definition 1.30) comprising one or more species of constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) in defined sequence.

Constitutional sequences comprising two constitutional units are termed diads, those comprising three constitutional units triads, and so on. In order of increasing sequence lengths they are called tetrads, pentads, hexads, heptads, octads, nonads, decads, undecads, etc.

The whole or part of a chain (see Definition 1.30) comprising one or more species of configurational units (see Definition 1.16) in defined sequence.

Configurational sequences comprising two configurational units are termed diads, those with three such constitutional units triads, and so on. In order of increasing sequence lengths they are called tetrads, pentads, hexads, heptads, octads, nonads, decads, undecads, etc.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) in which a substantial portion of the constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) carry charges when dissolved in an ionizing solvent.

A macromolecule (see Definition 1.1) in which a small but significant proportion of the constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) carry charges when dissolved in an ionizing solvent.

A polymer (see Definition 2.2) derived from one species of (real, implicit or hypothetical) monomer (see Definition 2.1).

1 Many polymers are made by mutual reaction of complementary monomers. These monomers can readily be visualized as reacting to give an "implicit monomer", the homopolymerization of which would give the actual product, which can be regarded as a homopolymer. Examples are poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(hexamethylene adipamide).

2 Some polymers are obtained by modification of other polymers such that the structure of the macromolecules that constitute the resulting polymer can be thought of as having been formed by homopolymerization of a "hypothetical monomer". These polymers can be regarded as homopolymers. Example: poly(vinyl alcohol).

Copolymers that are obtained by copolymerization (see Definition 3.4) of two monomer species are sometimes termed bipolymers, those obtained from three monomers terpolymers, those obtained from four monomers quaterpolymers, etc.

An irregular polymer (see Definition 2.16), the molecules of which are derived from only one species of monomer (see Definition 2.1) but which display a variety of structural features more appropriate for description in copolymer (see Definition 2.5) terms.

Where appropriate, adjectives specifying the types of "copolymer" may be applied to "pseudo-copolymer". The term statistical pseudo-copolymer, for instance, may be used to describe an irregular polymer in the molecules of which the sequential distribution of configurational units obeys known statistical laws.

An irregular oligomer (see Definition 2.3), the molecules of which are derived from only one species of monomer (see Definition 2.1) but which display a variety of structural features more appropriate for description in co-oligomer (see Definition 2.7) terms.

A copolymer (see Definition 2.5) consisting of macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) in which the sequential distribution of the monomeric units (see Definition 1.8) obeys known statistical laws.

An example for a statistical copolymer is one consisting of macromolecules in which the sequential distribution of monomeric units follows Markovian statistics.

A copolymer (see Definition 2.5) consisting of macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) in which the probability of finding a given monomeric unit (see Definition 1.8) at any given site in the chain (see Definition 1.30) is independent of the nature of the adjacent units.

A copolymer (see Definition 2.5) consisting of macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) comprising two species of monomeric units (see Definition 1.8) in alternating sequence.

An alternating copolymer may be considered as a homopolymer derived from an implicit or hypothetical monomer, see Note 1 to Definition 2.4.

A copolymer (see Definition 2.5) consisting of macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) comprising more than two species of monomeric units (see Definition 1.8) in regular sequence.

A polymer (see Definition 2.2) composed of molecules uniform with respect to relative molecular mass and constitution.

1 A polymer comprising a mixture of linear (see Definition 1.32) and branched (see Definition 1.33) chains, all of uniform relative molecular mass, is not uniform.

2 A copolymer comprising linear molecules of uniform relative molecular mass and uniform elemental composition, but different sequence arrangement of the various types of monomeric units (see Definition 1.8), is not uniform (e.g., a copolymer comprising molecules with random arrangement as well as block arrangement of monomeric units).

3 A polymer uniform with respect only to either relative molecular mass or constitution may be termed "uniform", provided a suitable qualifier is used (e.g., "a polymer uniform with respect to relative molecular mass").

4 The adjectives "monodisperse" and "polydisperse" are deeply rooted in the literature despite being non-descriptive and self-contradictory. They are in common usage and it is recognized that they will continue to be used for some time, nevertheless more satisfactory terms are clearly desirable. After an extensive search for possible replacements, the new terms "uniform" an "non-uniform" have been selected and they are now the preferred adjectives.

A polymer (see Definition 2.2) comprising molecules non-uniform with respect to relative molecular mass or constitution or both.

A substance composed of regular macromolecules (see Definition 1.4), regular star macromolecules (see Definition 1.51), or regular comb macromolecules (see Definition 1.52).

In a polymer consisting of star macromolecules with constitutionally identical arms, a second constitutional unit occurs just once; such polymers are considered to be regular.; see Note 2 to Definition 1.51. Analogously, a polymer consisting of comb macromolecules with constitutionally identical linear chains is considered to be regular; see the Note to Definition 1.52.

In a block copolymer, adjacent blocks are constitutionally different, i.e., each of these blocks comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) derived from different characteristic species of monomer (see Definition 2.1) or with different composition or sequence distribution of constitutional units.

In a graft copolymer, adjacent blocks are constitutionally different, i.e., each of these blocks comprises constitutional units (see Definition 1.14) derived from different characteristic species of monomer (see Definition 2.1) or with different composition or sequence distribution of constitutional units.

A polymer (see Definition 2.2), the macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) of which are single-strand macromolecules (see Definition 1.39).

A polymer (see Definition 2.2), the macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) of which are double-strand macromolecules (see Definition 1.41).

1 A polymer, the macromolecules of which are spiro macromolecules (see Definition 1.43), is termed a spiro polymer.

2 A polymer, the macromolecules of which are ladder macromolecules (see Definition 1.45), is termed a ladder polymer.

A copolymer (see Definition 2.5), the macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) of which are double-strand macromolecules (see Definition 1.41).

A monomer (see Definition 2.1) which can impart the properties of liquid crystals to the polymers (see Definition 2.2) formed by its polymerization (see Definition 3.1).

1 In most cases, blends are homogeneous on scales smaller than several times visual optical wave lengths.

3 For polymer blends, no account is taken of the miscibility or immiscibility of the constituent polymers, i.e., no assumption is made regarding the number of phases present.

An assembly of macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) comprising one or more polymer networks (see Definition 1.58) and one or more linear-chain (see Definition 1.32) or branched-chain (see Definition 1.33) macromolecule(s) characterized by the penetration on a molecular scale of at least one of the networks by at least some of the linear or branched chains. Note Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks are distinguished from interpenetrating polymer networks because the constituent linear-chain or branched-chain macromolecule(s) can, in principle, be separated from the constituent polymer network(s) without breaking chemical bonds, and are polymer blends.

An assembly of macromolecules (see Definition 1.1) comprising two or more polymer networks (see Definition 1.58) which are at least partially interlaced on a molecular scale but not covalently bonded to each other and cannot be separated unless chemical bonds are broken.