functionality, \(f\) 

of a monomer
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.FT07505
Number of covalent bonds that a monomer molecule or monomeric unit in a macromolecule or oligomer molecule can form with other reactants.
Notes:
  1. There are no monofunctional monomers.
  2. If \(f = 2\), a linear chain macromolecule or a macrocycle can be formed.
  3. If \(f > 2\), a branch point can be formed leading to a branched macromolecule, a network or a micronetwork.
  4. Ethene and ethylene glycol are examples of difunctional monomers, glycerol is an example of a trifunctional monomer, and divinylbenzene and pentaerythritol are examples of tetrafunctional monomers.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 1801. (Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)) on page 1805 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'functionality' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.FT07505 RIS BibTex EndNote
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Last revised: February 24, 2014