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Oligomerization is a chemical process where a small number of monomer units, typically between 2 and 10, combine to form a larger molecule called an oligomer. This is distinct from polymerization, which involves the combination of a very large number of monomers to form a polymer. The prefix "oligo" comes from Greek and means "few." Oligomers are intermediate in size between monomers and polymers.

The formation of oligomers can occur through various chemical reactions, including addition reactions and condensation reactions. In addition oligomerization, monomers add to each other without the loss of any atoms. In condensation oligomerization, monomers react with each other, releasing a small molecule such as water or methanol as a byproduct. The properties of an oligomer depend on the type of monomer units and the degree of oligomerization, meaning the number of repeating units.

Oligomers have found applications in various fields. For example, in the synthesis of certain polymers, oligomers can be formed as intermediate products and then further reacted to produce high molecular weight polymers. Oligomers are also used as additives in materials science, such as in lubricants, adhesives, and coatings, to modify their properties. In biochemistry, short chains of nucleotides or amino acids are often referred to as oligonucleotides or oligopeptides, respectively, and they play crucial roles in biological processes. The study and control of oligomerization are important for understanding and developing new materials and chemical processes.