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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

40.7K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
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Polymers02:34

Polymers

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Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

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Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
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Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

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Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
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Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity01:26

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

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Polymerization generates chiral centers along the entire backbone of a polymer chain. Accordingly, the stereochemistry of the substituent group has a significant effect on polymer properties. Polymers formed from monosubstituted alkene monomers feature chiral carbons at every alternate position in the polymer backbone. Relative to the predominant orientation of substituents at the adjacent chiral carbons, the polymer can exist in three different configurations: isotactic, syndiotactic, and...
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Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

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Unlike small molecules with definite molecular weights, polymers are a mixture of individual polymer chains of varying lengths, each with a unique molecular weight.  So, the molecular weight of a polymer is expressed as an average value based on the average size of the polymer chains. The two most common forms of averages used for polymers are the number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight.
The number average molecular weight (Mn) is the summation of the number...
3.8K

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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
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Biocatalysis for terpene-based polymers.

Wissam Farhat1,2, Arne Stamm1,2, Maxime Robert-Monpate1,2

  • 1Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.

Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of Biosciences
|February 22, 2019
PubMed
Summary

Biocatalysis enables functionalization of inert cyclic molecules like norcamphor, creating novel bio-based polyesters. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived polymers by valorizing renewable resources.

Keywords:
biocatalysisbiopolymersoxidoreductasespolyestersterpenes

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Biocatalysis
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Synthetic polymers derived from petroleum pose sustainability challenges.
  • Renewable resources often contain unreactive carbon-carbon bonds, hindering polymerization.
  • Biocatalysis offers a route to functionalize inert cyclic molecules for advanced materials.

Discussion:

  • This study explores biocatalysis for functionalizing multicyclic terpenes, using norcamphor as a model.
  • Enzymatic and chemical Baeyer-Villiger transformations were compared for generating lactone intermediates.
  • The research demonstrates the potential of norcamphor to form polyesters with unique backbones.

Key Insights:

  • Biocatalysis can unlock the reactivity of previously inert carbocyclic cores.
  • Norcamphor can be transformed into monomers for novel polyester synthesis.
  • Enzymatic routes show promise for efficient functionalization of cyclic building blocks.

Outlook:

  • The chemoenzymatic strategies discussed are applicable to a wide range of terpenes and cyclic compounds.
  • This work paves the way for sustainable production of advanced bio-based materials.
  • Further research can expand the scope of biocatalytic valorization of renewable feedstocks.