Monomers and Polymers

Monomers and polymers are essential terms in the study of chemistry, particularly in the field of organic chemistry. They are building blocks that make up the complex structures of macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, and carbohydrates.

Monomers

Monomers are the basic units that combine to form larger molecules known as polymers. They are small molecules that have the ability to react with each other, forming covalent bonds. Monomers can be organic or inorganic molecules, but in most cases, they are organic molecules. Examples of monomers include amino acids, nucleotides, and monosaccharides.

Polymers

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating units of monomers that are covalently bonded together. These molecules can be linear or branched, and their properties are determined by the sequence, length, and arrangement of the monomers. Polymers can be synthetic or naturally occurring. Examples of naturally occurring polymers include cellulose, starch, and proteins, while examples of synthetic polymers include nylon, PVC, and Teflon.

Formation of Polymers

Polymers are formed through a process known as polymerization. This process involves the reaction of monomers to form larger molecules. There are two types of polymerization: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization, the monomers combine to form a polymer by adding on to the end of the growing chain. In condensation polymerization, water or some other small molecule is released as a byproduct as the monomers combine to form a polymer.

In conclusion, monomers and polymers are essential building blocks for macromolecules. Monomers are small units that combine to form larger molecules known as polymers. Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating units of monomers that are covalently bonded together. Polymers can be formed through addition or condensation polymerization.

Monomers are the substances which are single part of synthetic fibres.group of monomers are known as polymer s