Monomeeriins

Monomeeriins are a proposed class of monomeric units used in polymer chemistry to study the effects of multifunctionality on polymer architecture. They are defined as small molecules bearing two or more polymerizable functional groups connected by a core scaffold, enabling both growth of polymer chains and crosslinking within a single molecule. In published discussions, the term is used to explore how core rigidity and substituent electronics influence polymerization kinetics and network structure.

Structural variety among monomeeriins includes cores based on aromatic rings, cycloaliphatic frameworks, or heterocycles, with pendant groups that can be vinyl, acrylate, epoxide, isocyanate, thiol, or other reactive functionalities. The arrangement and spacing of these groups determine whether the resulting material forms linear, branched, or crosslinked networks. Typical monomeeriins are designed to be stable under polymerization conditions but reactive enough to participate in both step-growth and chain-growth mechanisms.

Synthesis of monomeeriins often involves modular assembly: constructing the core scaffold first, then installing multiple reactive handles through selective functionalization. In practice, they are used in model studies to tailor crosslink density, gel points, and porosity of polymer networks. The concept remains largely theoretical or exploratory in polymer science, with no universally adopted catalog or standardized nomenclature.

Potential applications for monomeeriin-based materials include advanced coatings, adhesives, hydrogels for biomedical uses, and durable thermosets, where controlled multifunctionality offers precise control over material properties.