Monomer — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

Q: What is the formula for Monomer?

The formula or notation for Monomer is: (-CH₂-CH₂-)n; monomer = CH₂=CH₂ (ethylene); polymerisation: n monomers → polymer

Formula / Notation	(-CH₂-CH₂-)n; monomer = CH₂=CH₂ (ethylene); polymerisation: n monomers → polymer
Also Known As	Repeating unit (monomer), vinyl monomer, reactive monomer, polymer building block

What is Monomer?

The small, repeating subunit from which a polymer is built. Monomers undergo polymerization reactions to form long chain polymers. Examples include ethylene (monomer of polyethylene), amino acids (monomers of proteins), and glucose (monomer of cellulose and starch).

Formula & Notation

(-CH₂-CH₂-)n; monomer = CH₂=CH₂ (ethylene); polymerisation: n monomers → polymer

Other Names / Synonyms: Repeating unit (monomer), vinyl monomer, reactive monomer, polymer building block

Properties & Characteristics

A monomer is the small, repeating structural unit molecule that undergoes polymerisation to form a polymer. Monomers typically contain a reactive functional group: vinyl monomers (alkenes: ethylene, styrene, vinyl chloride) undergo radical or ionic chain polymerisation; condensation monomers (diacids + diols or diamines) undergo step-growth polymerisation with loss of small molecules. The degree of polymerisation (DP) determines the length of the polymer chain.

Uses & Applications

Monomers are the raw materials for the polymer industry: ethylene → polyethylene, propylene → polypropylene, vinyl chloride → PVC, styrene → polystyrene, caprolactam → nylon-6, terephthalic acid + ethylene glycol → PET. Biological monomers: amino acids → proteins, nucleotides → DNA/RNA, glucose → cellulose/starch.

Safety Information

Vinyl monomers (styrene, acrylates, vinyl chloride) are flammable and many are carcinogens (vinyl chloride causes angiosarcoma). They must be stored with inhibitors (hydroquinone, 4-methoxyphenol) to prevent spontaneous polymerisation. Uninhibited monomers can undergo explosive exothermic polymerisation if heated.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Monomer

Formula (-CH₂-CH₂-)n; monomer = CH₂=CH₂ (ethylene); polymerisation: n monomers → polymer

Index All "M" terms

Synonyms Repeating unit (monomer), vinyl monomer, reactive monomer, polymer building block

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monomer?

The small, repeating subunit from which a polymer is built. Monomers undergo polymerization reactions to form long chain polymers. Examples include ethylene (monomer of polyethylene), amino acids (monomers of proteins), and glucose (monomer of cellulose and starch).

What is Monomer used for?

Is Monomer hazardous?

What is the formula for Monomer?

More "M" Terms

Macromolecule Magnesium Mg Magnetic Quantum Number m_l quantum number: −l to +l integers; e.g., p: m_l = −1, 0, +1 Main Group Elements Manganese Mn Manometer P = ρgh (hydrostatic); manometer measures pressure differential Mass Mass Action Expression Mass Defect Δm = Z·mₚ + N·mₙ − m_nucleus Mass Deficiency Mass Number Mass Number A = Z + N

View all "M" terms →