Vinylmonomeer

Vinylmonomeer is a term used to describe any monomer that contains a vinyl group (ethenyl, CH2=CH–) and can undergo addition polymerization to form a vinyl polymer. The term is often used interchangeably with vinyl monomer, though vinyl monomer is more common in the literature. A general representation is CH2=CH–R, where R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, or another substituent. The vinyl group is highly reactive in radical, cationic, or coordination polymerization, enabling rapid chain growth.

Common examples include vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, styrene, acrylates, acrylonitrile, and vinylidene chloride. These monomers may carry various substituents on the vinyl carbon or adjacent positions, which influences reactivity, polarity, and the properties of the resulting polymer. The diversity of substituents allows a wide range of materials, from rigid plastics to flexible coatings.

Polymerization of vinylmonomeers is typically a chain-growth process. Free-radical polymerization is the most widely used industrial method, with initiators such as peroxides or azo compounds. Controlled or living polymerization techniques exist for selected monomers to influence molecular weight and architecture. Copolymerization with other vinyl monomers enables tuning of material properties, including glass transition temperature, toughness, and barrier performance.

Applications span plastics, coatings, adhesives, packaging, and electrical insulation. The specific uses depend on the monomer and the resulting polymer’s properties. Safety and handling vary by monomer; some, such as vinyl chloride, pose significant health risks and require stringent controls. Monomer production routes differ by chemical structure and intended polymer applications.

See also: vinyl polymer, monomer, polymerization.