A Molecule is nothing but a group of a minimum of two atoms. These result in the formation of a small, identifiable unit in which a specific pure substance can be separated. However, the composition and chemical properties of the substance can be retained. Monomer and Polymer are two of the many such molecules.
Monomer vs Polymer
The main difference between Monomer and Polymer is that monomers are the small singular units that form polymers, and polymers are the combinations of many monomers. The two molecules are related to each other. However, they are both two separate molecules that have differences in their complexity, weight, and units.
A Monomer refers to a molecule belonging to any class of compounds, typically organic, that are capable of reacting with other molecules for the formation of larger molecules or polymers. The capacity of a monomer to form chemical bonds with other monomers is called Polyfunctionality. It is also an essential feature of monomers.
A polymer refers to a molecule that is formed by very large molecules or monomers. When large molecules or multiple monomers combine with each other, they form a polymer. Some of the polymers are natural which are made by organisms. The properties of a polymer make it an essential part of everyday life.
Comparison Table Between Monomer and Polymer
| Parameters of Comparison | Monomer | Polymer |
| Origin | The word monomer has derived from the Greek words ‘mono ‘and ‘meros,’ which mean one part. | The word monomer has derived from the Greek words ‘polu’ and ‘meros, ‘which mean many parts. |
| Meaning | They refer to the singular units, which are the building blocks of polymers. | They refer to the macromolecules that are built of many blocks of monomers. |
| Complexity | They are simpler molecules. | They are molecules that are more complex. |
| Molecular weight | Their molecular weight is low. | Their molecular weight is high. |
| Units | It can be made up of various combination units. | It always contains a single repetitive unit. |
What is Monomer?
In simple terms, monomers are singular units, and when they combine, they form a larger molecular or a polymer. Monomers can be defined as rather simple molecules having multiple binding sites. These cited help in forming covalent linkages with other monomers to form macromolecules; these include proteins, starch, and various other polymers. Therefore monomers are polymer’s building blocks.
Archetypal plasmonic structures refer to monomers and their dimer counterparts. Origin and synthesis are the two bases for classifying a monomer. There are natural monomers like Amino acids, Isoprene, Nucleotides, Glucose, and related Sugars. Glucose, vinyl chloride, amino acids, and ethylene are the most commonly known monomers.
There are different ways in which a monomer can link up to a polymer. Amino acids, nucleotides, monosaccharides, and fatty acids are the big monomers. Whereas proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids are the main forms of monomers. Linear, chainlike polymers can be formed by Bifunctional monomers.
Cross-linked and Network polymers can be formed by higher functionality monomers. Characteristics of monomers include Addition reactions. These consist of a double bond between two atoms or a ring of 3 to 7 atoms. The monomers having two or more reactive atomic groups are kind of Condensation polymerizations.
What is Polymer?
A polymer refers to a substance that is made of very large molecules or macromolecules. These molecules are formed by the repetition of many small units. They offer a broad spectrum of properties. These properties are synthetic as well as natural. And due to these properties, they have a significant role in our day-to-day life.
Polymers exist in various structures that can be found in plastic as well as naturally in an individual’s DNA. Both natural and synthetic polymers are created or formed by smaller molecules, monomers. Toughness, high elasticity, and viscoelasticity are some of their special physical properties. Polymer science is the field of study which is based on Polymers.
A lot of materials that have prime importance in living organisms are Polymers. They are also a base for materials like quartz, diamonds, and glass. Even organic polymers are essential in living beings, typically for various bodily functions. High Polymer is a polymer that has very large monomers. Some polymers have only one type of monomer. However, they do not necessarily have the same chemical composition, same structure, or even the same weight. Copolymers are polymers made up of different types of monomers.
Main Differences Between Monomer and Polymer
- The word monomer has derived from the Greek words ‘mono ‘and ‘meros’, which mean one part. The word Polymer has derived from the Greek words ‘polu’ and ‘meros‘, which mean many parts.
- Monomers refer to the singular units, which are the building blocks of polymers. Polymers refer to the macromolecules that are built of many blocks of monomers.
- A monomer is a simpler molecule. Polymers are molecules that are more complex.
- The molecular weight of Monomers is low. The molecular weight of Polymers is high.
- Monomers can be made up of various combination units. Polymers always contain a single repetitive unit.
Conclusion
Monomers and Polymers are two of the substances that have prime importance in the existence of all living organisms. Monomers and polymers have their own unique characteristics, properties, and purposes. Both the terms have been derived from Greek words. The nature of monomers and polymers can be natural as well as synthetic.
Monomers have similarities in terms of their composition, structure, and molecular weight. Polymers have no such restrictions. In comparison, the molecular weight of Polymer is more than a monomer. And polymers also have more complexity. The connection between monomers and polymers is that the existence and form of polymers depend on the monomers. These are the fields that are studied and explored in science. The research and development in these fields are constant.
References
- https://www.nature.com/articles/355318a0
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376738808003165