Project Details:

Definitions of Terms Relating to Reactions of Polymers and Functional Polymers

Project No.:1999-048-1-400
Start date:2000-01-01
End date:2004-06-12
Division:Polymer Division
Objective:

 [ 990481/400/00 or 4/1/00 ]

To prepare clear concepts and definitions of general and specific terms on reactions of polymers and functional polymers, in order to solve the present lack of clarity of terminology in the field resulting in confusion and difficulties in proper scientific and technological understanding.

Description:
The chemistry of reactions and functionalization of polymers has received great attention during the last two decades, and a large number of preparation processes of basically and industrially important reactive and functional polymers are carried out through the reactions of linear or crosslinked polymeric reactants and the introduction of reactive, catalytic or some functional groups into polymer chains. The polymer reactions have their specific characteristics different from those of polymerization reactions. Basic classification and definition of polymerization reactions (PAC, 66, 2483 (1994)) and terminology on kinetics and thermodynamics of polymerization (Project 410/26/95) have been elucidated by the Commission IV-1. However any clear and unified terminology has not yet been given on polymer reactions, inspite of the growing importance of the field. For example, combinatorial chemistry using polymer beads becomes an important new field in the last few years. However some non-polymer chemists regard the swollen polymer beads as a "solid" phase. In many instances, lack of clarity leads to confusion and to difficulties in proper understanding.

Based on the growing importance of the field and the confusion that has emerged in the area of its nomenclature, it is very important to prepare clear concepts and definitions of terms on reactions and functionalization of polymer. A thorough three year feasibility study in Commission IV-1 has shown that more than 70 terms need to be considered.

Progress:
Draft 12 is available for comments (Version Feb 26, 2002).
A final document -draft 17a- was submitted to public review commentsuntil 31 July 2003.

Project completed - IUPAC Recommendations published in PureAppl. Chem.76(4), 889-906, 2004

 

<Project announcement published inChem.Int. 22(3),2000>

Chairman: