What is a Monomer?

Monomers are organic molecules that are capable of reacting with other molecules to form polymers. They are the building blocks of polymers, which are long chains of connected monomers. In other words, monomers are molecules that can be linked together to create polymers.

Monomers have a wide range of uses and applications, ranging from the production of polymers which make up many everyday products to being used as the starting material for biomass conversion processes. Monomers can be natural or synthetic, and vary widely in their properties and structure depending on the type.

Types of Monomers

Monomers can be divided into two main categories: Natural and Synthetic. Natural monomers are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules and include such molecules as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Synthetic monomers are typically derived from petroleum and other petrochemical sources and are also known as petrochemicals. Examples of synthetic monomers include acrylics, ethylene, and polyesters. Monomers can also be divided into two subcategories, covalent and non-covalent. Covalent monomers are composed of molecules that are held together with covalent bonds, while non-covalent monomers are held together by weaker interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, and van der Waals forces.

Reactions Involved in Monomers

Monomers are often referred to as functional monomers because the various functional groups that are present in the molecule are free to react with other molecules. These reactions can lead to a variety of different polymers, depending on the type of monomer and the type of reaction involved. The most common reactions that take place between monomers are condensation reactions and addition reactions. During a condensation reaction, two monomers join together to form a dimer, while during an addition reaction, a monomer and a polymer join together.

Conclusion

Monomers are the building blocks of polymers and come in natural and synthetic forms. Depending on the type of monomer, the molecules can react with other molecules in a variety of different ways to form polymers. Monomers are an essential component in many of the products we use on a daily basis, from clothing and electronic components to food and cosmetics. Understanding how monomers are created and how they interact with other molecules is essential for the production of products that contain polymers.