Telechelice

Telechelice, more commonly spelled telechelic, refers to polymers that carry reactive functional groups at one or both ends of the chain. These end groups enable bonding to other molecules or to form networks, making telechelic polymers useful as precursors for adhesives, coatings, and thermosetting materials. The term derives from Greek tele, meaning end, and chela, meaning claw.

Common end groups include hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine, epoxide, isocyanate, acrylate, vinyl, and thiol groups. Polymers with epoxide or amine ends can cure into crosslinked networks; acrylate ends enable radical polymerization; hydroxyl or carboxyl ends can participate in polyurethane or polyurea formation. The specific end groups determine reactivity, curing mechanism, and final material properties.

Production methods involve living or controlled polymerization with chain ends capped by desired functionality, or post-polymerization functionalization. Examples include anionic polymerization with functional initiators or terminators, and reversible-deactivation methods such as RAFT or ATRP that introduce end groups. The resulting telechelic polymers are often used as reactive building blocks in composite matrices and resin systems.

Applications include crosslinkable adhesives and sealants, reactive resins for epoxies and polyurethanes, compatibilizers for polymer blends, and precursors to thermosetting networks. In elastomer chemistry, telechelic polymers provide tunable cure chemistry and controlled network density, enabling tailored mechanical and thermal properties.

Note: While telechelic is the standard spelling, telechelice is a less common variant. The concept is widely used in polymer science and materials engineering.