alternandoli

Alternandoli is a term used in some speculative discussions of polymer chemistry to describe a class of polymers with an alternating sequence of two distinct repeating units along the main chain. In this scheme, every other repeat unit bears a diol functionality, while the intervening units carry a different, non-diolic moiety. This ABAB-type arrangement gives alternating polarity and spatial distribution of hydroxyl groups along the polymer backbone.

Structural features: The diol-bearing units provide two hydroxyl groups that can engage in hydrogen bonding. The spacing between diol sites can be tuned by choosing non-diolic spacer units, allowing control of crystallinity, Tg, and solubility. Variants may use aliphatic or aromatic diol units and different spacers.

Synthesis: Alternandoli can be prepared by alternating copolymerization of diol-functionalized monomers with complementary monomers, or by post-polymerization functionalization that installs diol groups in every other repeat unit. Protecting-group strategies or click-chemistry approaches are common.

Applications and status: In mainstream polymer chemistry, the term alternandoli is not widely adopted, and real-world examples are scarce. The concept is mostly encountered in theoretical or speculative discussions, serving as a model for studying how regular diol spacing influences hydrogen bonding and network formation. Potential applications envisioned include recyclable polymers, ion-conducting membranes, and self-healing materials.

See also: alternating copolymers; polyols; diols; hydrogen-bonded polymers.