Monomer vs. Polymer — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 24, 2023
A monomer is a small molecule that can chemically bond to form a larger structure called a polymer. A polymer is a complex molecule composed of multiple monomers linked together.
Difference Between Monomer and Polymer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In contrast, a polymer is a much larger molecule that results from the bonding of multiple monomers. Polymers can consist of thousands or even millions of monomers linked together. They exhibit properties that are different from those of their constituent monomers and can be both naturally occurring or synthetically made.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023
A monomer is essentially a single, small molecular unit that can be combined with others to form a larger, more complex structure. This smaller molecule is the basic building block for a polymer. Monomers often contain a reactive group that allows them to form covalent bonds with other monomers.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023
While monomers act as the precursors or the raw materials, polymers represent the end product of polymerization processes. Monomers join together in specific sequences and structures to form polymers. The process by which this happens is known as polymerization, and it can occur through various methods such as addition polymerization or condensation polymerization.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023
In summary, a monomer is like a single piece of a puzzle, while a polymer is the completed puzzle. The monomers can be identical or different, but they are always smaller than the resulting polymer. Each monomer contributes to the properties and functionality of the resulting polymer.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 24, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
Monomer
The precursor molecule in a polymerization process.
The monomer styrene is essential for producing polystyrene.
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Sep 24, 2023
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Polymer
The product formed by the chemical bonding of monomers.
Polyethylene is a polymer made from ethene.
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Sep 24, 2023
Monomer
A compound that can undergo polymerization.
Acrylonitrile is a monomer used in making certain synthetic fibers.
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Polymer
A compound with high molecular weight comprising repeated linked units.
Polystyrene is a polymer used in plastic products.
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Sep 24, 2023
Monomer
A molecule with reactive groups for forming covalent bonds.
The amino acid monomer contributes to protein structure.
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Sep 24, 2023
Polymer
A substance consisting of molecular chains.
Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene.
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Sep 24, 2023
Monomer
A small molecular unit capable of bonding with others to form a polymer.
Ethene is a monomer used to make polyethylene.
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Sep 24, 2023
Polymer
A large, complex molecule made up of smaller units called monomers.
DNA is a natural polymer.
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Sep 24, 2023
Monomer
A single unit that serves as a building block for larger structures.
Glucose is a monomer for starch and cellulose.
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Sep 24, 2023
Polymer
A polymer (; Greek poly-, "many" + -mer, "part") is a substance or material consisting of very large molecules, or macromolecules, composed of many repeating subunits. Due to their broad spectrum of properties, both synthetic and natural polymers play essential and ubiquitous roles in everyday life.
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Aug 21, 2018
Monomer
A monomer ( MON-ə-mər; mono-, "one" + -mer, "part") is a molecule that can react together with other monomer molecules to form a larger polymer chain or three-dimensional network in a process called polymerization.
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Aug 21, 2018
Polymer
Any of numerous natural and synthetic compounds of usually high molecular weight consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule.
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Aug 21, 2018
Monomer
A molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.
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Aug 21, 2018
Polymer
(organic chemistry) A long or larger molecule consisting of a chain or network of many repeating units, formed by chemically bonding together many identical or similar small molecules called monomers. A polymer is formed by polymerization, the joining of many monomer molecules.
Fiza Rafique
Aug 21, 2018
Monomer
(chemistry) A relatively small molecule which can be covalently bonded to other monomers to form a polymer.
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Aug 21, 2018
Polymer
Any one of two or more substances related to each other by polymerism; specifically, a substance produced from another substance by chemical polymerization.
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Aug 21, 2018
Monomer
The basic conceptual building unit of a polymer; a molecule of low molecular weight which may combine with other molecules to form a molecule in a chain or branched form having high molecular weight; as, amino acids are the monomer units which are combined to form proteins; vinylic plastics are formed from monomers having a vinyl group.
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Aug 21, 2018
Polymer
A naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers
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Polymer
A macromolecule formed from similar or different subunits.
Proteins are polymers made up of amino acids.
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Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
Are monomers always smaller than polymers?
Yes, monomers are the building blocks of polymers.
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Sep 24, 2023
Can monomers be different in a single polymer?
Yes, they can be identical or different.
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Sep 24, 2023
What is a monomer?
A monomer is a small molecule that can bond to form a polymer.
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Sep 24, 2023
Can a polymer be broken down into its monomers?
Yes, through a process called depolymerization.
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Sep 24, 2023
What is the role of monomers in polymerization?
They act as the precursors or building blocks.
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Sep 24, 2023
What is a polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule composed of multiple monomers.
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Sep 24, 2023
Are all polymers synthetic?
No, there are both natural and synthetic polymers.
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Sep 24, 2023
Are all monomers organic compounds?
Most are, but there are inorganic monomers too.
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How are polymers used in daily life?
They are used in plastics, textiles, medicines, and more.
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What are the reactive groups in monomers called?
They are often called functional groups.
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Sep 24, 2023
Do polymers have higher molecular weights than monomers?
Yes, polymers have higher molecular weights.
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Sep 24, 2023
What is a copolymer?
A polymer made from two or more different types of monomers.
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Sep 24, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
