OLIGOMER Meaning and
Definition
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An oligomer refers to a small molecule composed of a few individual monomer units that are chemically bonded together, forming a relatively short chain-like structure. It is a specific type of polymer, with the main distinction being its relatively low molecular weight and thus, fewer monomer units. This term is primarily used in the field of chemistry to describe chemical compounds with distinct oligomeric properties.
Oligomers display unique physical and chemical characteristics due to their compact size, which grants them versatile properties suitable for various applications. They can be found in a wide range of natural and synthetic materials, including plastics, resins, proteins, and nucleic acids. For instance, in the context of polymer science, oligomers are utilized as intermediates in the production of high molecular weight polymers during polymerization processes. Furthermore, oligomers can also serve as additives or modifiers to enhance the properties of materials, such as improving chemical resistance, durability, or flexibility.
The number of monomer units in an oligomer can vary depending on the specific context, typically ranging from two to around twenty. Beyond this range, larger polymers are usually classified instead. Oligomers can possess different molecular structures, including linear, branched, or cyclic configurations. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of oligomers is crucial for numerous scientific studies and industrial applications, contributing to advancements in diverse fields such as materials science, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
Common Misspellings for OLIGOMER
- iligomer
- kligomer
- lligomer
- pligomer
- 0ligomer
- 9ligomer
- okigomer
- opigomer
- ooigomer
- olugomer
- oljgomer
- olkgomer
- ologomer
- ol9gomer
- ol8gomer
- olifomer
- olivomer
- olibomer
- olihomer
- oliyomer
Etymology of OLIGOMER
The word "oligomer" is derived from two Greek roots: "oligo-" meaning "few" or "scanty", and "-mer" meaning "part" or "unit". These roots come together to form "oligomer", which refers to a molecule consisting of a few repeating units or monomers.
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