Oligomer

Oligomer refers to a molecule that consists of a few monomer units, in contrast to a polymer that, at least in principle, consists of an unlimited number of monomers. An oligomer with n monomer units is usually called an n-mer. For example, an oligomer of six monomer units is a hexamer.

Structure and Classification

Oligomers can be classified based on the nature of the monomer units involved. They can be homooligomers if all the monomer units are the same, or heterooligomers if the monomer units are different. The monomer units in an oligomer can be linked by covalent bonds or by intermolecular forces.

Applications

Oligomers find wide applications in a variety of fields. They are used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, and other materials. They are also used in biology, for example in the form of oligonucleotides.

See Also

• Polymer
• Monomer
• Oligonucleotide

Oligomer Resources
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