Definitions of
Terms Relating to Polymers and Functional Polymers
The chemistry of reactions and functionalization of polymers has
received great attention during the last two decades. Many preparation
processes of basically and industrially important reactive and functional
polymers are carried out through the reactions of linear or cross-linked
polymeric reactants and the introduction of reactive, catalytic, or
some functional groups into polymer chains. The reactions of polymers
have their specific characteristics different from those of polymerization
reactions. However, clear and unified terminology has not yet been
decided upon for reactions of polymers, in spite of the growing importance
of the field.
IUPAC has approved a project to prepare clear concepts and definitions
of general and specific terms concerning reactions of polymers and
functional polymers, in order to clarify terminology in the field
that results in confusion and difficulty in proper scientific and
technological understanding. The preparation of definitions is being
coordinated by Prof. Kazuyuki Horie, a Titular Member of IUPACs
Commission on Macromolecular Nomenclature (IV.1), with participation
of all members of Commission IV.1. Comments from the chemistry community
are welcome and should be addressed to the project coordinator, Prof.
Kazuyuki Horie, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, University
of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyoku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Tel.: +81 3 5841
7312; Fax: +81 3 5841 8658; E-mail: [email protected].
See http://www.iupac.org/divisions/current_
projects/2000/4_1_00.html for project description and update.