A primer on polymer nomenclature: Structure-based, sourced-based and trade names

Authors: CHENG, HUAI; HOWELL, BOB - CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Journal of Chemical Education
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/12/2017
Publication Date: 7/24/2017
Citation: Cheng, H.N., Howell, B.A. 2017. A primer on polymer nomenclature: Structure-based, sourced-based, and trade names. Journal of Chemical Education 94:1794-1797.

Interpretive Summary: n the world today we deal with polymers all the time – in our homes, automobiles, clothing, computer keyboards, office equipment, and many other items. It is useful and important to be able to identify the different polymers being used and refer to them with their distinctive names. Currently at least two different systems of nomenclature are available for polymers, in addition to common and trade names. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief guide to polymer nomenclature, with examples showing the different names being used. It is hoped that this information will be helpful to people working with polymers or interested in knowing more about them, particularly students who may be new to the polymer field.

Technical Abstract: Polymer nomenclature is important because it is part of the language of polymer science and is needed for polymer identification, reference, and documentation. A primer on polymer nomenclature is provided herein for people new to the field or for instructional use. Both structure-based and source-based nomenclatures, together with trivial and trade names, are described. Source-based nomenclature is commonly used by polymer scientists for polymers where the starting monomers are known. Structure-based approach is especially helpful when the chemical structure of a polymer is well-defined; it is the basis for International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommendations and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) usage. Appropriate illustrations of these approaches are provided.