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Related Concept Videos

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the generated carbocation,...
Complexation Equilibria: Overview01:23

Complexation Equilibria: Overview

Complexation reactions take place when dative or coordinate covalent bonds form between metal ions and ligands. The compounds formed in these reactions are called coordination compounds. The number of bonds formed between the metal ion and the ligands is called its coordination number. Generally, most metal ions in an aqueous solution are solvated by water molecules and thus exist as aqua complexes.
The equilibrium constant of the complexation reaction is represented as the formation constant...
Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers I01:24

Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers I

Polymerization produces macromolecules with a range of chain lengths due to the random nature of molecular growth processes. As chains form and terminate at different stages, a single polymer sample contains molecules of varying sizes rather than a uniform structure. This variability is described using average molar masses and distribution-related parameters, which together provide a comprehensive understanding of polymer characteristics.The distribution of molar masses plays a critical role in...
Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution01:10

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

For any given polymer, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is higher than, if not equal to, the number average molecular weight (Mn). The only situation in which the weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight are equal is when a polymer consists only of chains with equal molecular weight. However, this never happens in a synthetic polymer, since it is difficult to control the polymerization process up to a molecular level with accuracy to a hundred percent.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Self-assembling Morphologies Obtained from Helical Polycarbodiimide Copolymers and Their Triazole Derivatives
09:22

Self-assembling Morphologies Obtained from Helical Polycarbodiimide Copolymers and Their Triazole Derivatives

Published on: February 7, 2017

Stepwise disproportionation in polyelectrolyte complexes.

R S Dias1, P Linse, A A C C Pais

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal. rsdias@qui.uc.pt

Journal of Computational Chemistry
|June 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Monte Carlo simulations reveal distinct polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) with varied structures. These PECs exhibit stepwise changes in polyanion and polycation arrangements, impacting their overall conformation and distribution.

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Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
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Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles

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Synthesis of Terpolymers at Mild Temperatures Using Dynamic Sulfur Bonds in Poly(S-Divinylbenzene)
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Synthesis of Terpolymers at Mild Temperatures Using Dynamic Sulfur Bonds in Poly(S-Divinylbenzene)

Published on: May 20, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Self-assembling Morphologies Obtained from Helical Polycarbodiimide Copolymers and Their Triazole Derivatives
09:22

Self-assembling Morphologies Obtained from Helical Polycarbodiimide Copolymers and Their Triazole Derivatives

Published on: February 7, 2017

Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
08:44

Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles

Published on: March 2, 2020

Synthesis of Terpolymers at Mild Temperatures Using Dynamic Sulfur Bonds in Poly(S-Divinylbenzene)
09:16

Synthesis of Terpolymers at Mild Temperatures Using Dynamic Sulfur Bonds in Poly(S-Divinylbenzene)

Published on: May 20, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are formed by the association of oppositely charged polymers.
  • Understanding the structural properties and topology of PECs is crucial for their application.
  • Previous studies have explored PEC formation, but detailed topological analysis remains an area of interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structural properties and topology of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) formed in solution.
  • To characterize the influence of different conditions on PEC formation and structure.
  • To develop a novel method for analyzing the internal topological structure of PECs.

Main Methods:

  • Monte Carlo simulations using a coarse-grained model.
  • Characterization of individual polyion extension via radius of gyration.
  • Analysis of complex composition by net charge.
  • Novel topological analysis of polycation-polyanion linkages.

Main Results:

  • Distinguishable PECs were identified with variations in polyanion conformation and polycation states (extended/collapsed).
  • Equilibrium conditions showed stepwise variations in intrachain segregation of polyanions and interchain disproportionation of polycations.
  • Coexistence of different PEC structures occurred near, but not at, charge equivalence, leading to broad size distributions.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides insights into the complex structural landscape of PECs under varying conditions.
  • The findings align with theoretical predictions regarding polyion disproportionation within PECs.
  • The developed topological analysis offers a new tool for understanding PEC internal organization.