The common term “polymer” was initially introduced in 1832 by Jacob Berzelius, although its initial meaning differed significantly from the modern use. The accepted meaning of the word then changed over time, particularly with the growing number of reactions being referred to as polymerizations in the late 1800s and early 1900s. As the field of polymeric materials developed, the broader uses of the term polymer was one factor that led Hermann Staudinger to introduce the alternate term “macromolecule” in the 1920s to specifically designate long-chain polymeric species. Of course, further terms were also eventually required to differentiate between different types of polymeric species, including “copolymer”, “homopolymer”, and “oligomer”. The origins, history, and evolution of these various terms used in reference to polymeric materials will be presented.

From polymer to macromolecule: origins and historical evolution of polymer terminology

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.