Ring-opening polymerization

IUPAC definition

A polymerization in which a cyclic monomer yields a monomeric unit which is acyclic or contains fewer cycles than the monomer. Note: If monomer is polycyclic, the opening of a single ring is sufficient to classify the reaction as ring-opening polymerization.

Modified from the earlier definition.[1][2]

In polymer chemistry, ring-opening polymerization (ROP) is a form of chain-growth polymerization in which the terminus of a polymer chain attacks cyclic monomers to form a longer polymer (see figure). The reactive center can be radical, anionic or cationic.

Ring-opening of cyclic monomers is often driven by the relief of bond-angle strain. Thus, as is the case for other types of polymerization, the enthalpy change in ring-opening is negative.[3] Many rings undergo ROP.[4]

  1. ^ IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. (the "Gold Book") (2025). Online version: (2006–) "Ring-opening polymerization". doi:10.1351/goldbook.R05396
  2. ^ Jenkins, A. D.; Kratochvíl, P.; Stepto, R. F. T.; Suter, U. W. (1996). "Glossary of basic terms in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)". Pure and Applied Chemistry. 68 (12): 2287–2311. doi:10.1351/pac199668122287.
  3. ^ Young, Robert J. (2011). Introduction to Polymers. Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-8493-3929-5.
  4. ^ Perła-Kaján, J.; Twardowski, T.; Jakubowski, H. (2007). "Mechanisms of homocysteine toxicity in humans". Amino Acids. 32 (4): 561–572. doi:10.1007/s00726-006-0432-9. PMID 17285228.
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