Term: stereospecific polymerization
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05995

Definition:
polymerization in which a tactic polymer is formed. However, polymerization in which stereoisomerism present in the monomer is merely retained in the polymer is not to be regarded as stereospecific. For example, the polymerization of a chiral monomer, e.g. d-propylene oxide (d-methyloxirane), with retention of configuration is not considered to be a stereospecific reaction; however, selective polymerization, with retention, of one of the enantiomers present in a mixture of d- and l-propylene oxide molecules is so classified.

Related Terms:
1) polymerization (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04740).
2) tactic polymer (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06246).
3) monomer (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M04017).
4) polymer (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04735).
5) stereospecific (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05994).
6) configuration (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01249).
7) enantiomers (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E02069).
8) stereoisomerism (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05983).
9) chiral (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01057).

Source: Purple Book, 1st ed., p. 19 (http://old.iupac.org/publications/books/author/metanomski.html)

Citation: 'stereospecific polymerization' 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.S05995

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