oligomeeri

An oligomer is a molecule composed of a small number of repeating structural units, called monomers. The term "oligomer" is derived from the Greek words "oligos" meaning "few" and "meros" meaning "part." Unlike polymers, which are characterized by a large and indefinite number of repeating units, oligomers have a defined and relatively small number of these units.

The exact number of monomers that defines an oligomer can vary depending on the context, but it is generally considered to be between two and ten, though some definitions may extend this range. For instance, a molecule made of two monomers is a dimer, three is a trimer, and so on, up to ten. Beyond ten, the molecule is typically classified as a polymer.

Oligomers can be found in various fields of chemistry and biology. In polymer science, they represent an intermediate stage between monomers and high molecular weight polymers. In biochemistry, some peptides and carbohydrates are considered oligomers. For example, short chains of amino acids form peptides, which can function as hormones or signaling molecules. Similarly, short chains of sugars form oligosaccharides, which play roles in cell recognition and communication.

The properties of oligomers differ significantly from those of their corresponding monomers and polymers. They often exhibit unique physical and chemical characteristics due to their intermediate size and the specific arrangement of their monomer units. Studying oligomers is important for understanding the formation and properties of polymers, as well as for identifying and utilizing biologically active short-chain molecules.