IUPAC

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.

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

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

 

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