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Trimer (chemistry)
Encyclopedia
In chemistry
, a trimer is a product
derived from three identical precursors. Trimers are typically cyclic. Chemical compounds that often trimerise are aliphatic isocyanate
s and cyanic acids. Often, trimerization competes with polymerization.
In the Reppe synthesis, the trimerization of acetylene
gives benzene:
Another example is the procedure of production of polymer
s. At first, a monomer
is made. By combining two monomers, a dimer
is produced. With further additions, a trimer and eventually a polymer
is made.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, a trimer is a product
Chemical reaction
A chemical reaction is a process that leads to the transformation of one set of chemical substances to another. Chemical reactions can be either spontaneous, requiring no input of energy, or non-spontaneous, typically following the input of some type of energy, such as heat, light or electricity...
derived from three identical precursors. Trimers are typically cyclic. Chemical compounds that often trimerise are aliphatic isocyanate
Isocyanate
Isocyanate is the functional group of elements –N=C=O , not to be confused with the cyanate functional group which is arranged as –O–C≡N or with isocyanide, R-N≡C. Any organic compound which contains an isocyanate group may also be referred to in brief as an isocyanate. An isocyanate may have more...
s and cyanic acids. Often, trimerization competes with polymerization.
In the Reppe synthesis, the trimerization of acetylene
Acetylene
Acetylene is the chemical compound with the formula C2H2. It is a hydrocarbon and the simplest alkyne. This colorless gas is widely used as a fuel and a chemical building block. It is unstable in pure form and thus is usually handled as a solution.As an alkyne, acetylene is unsaturated because...
gives benzene:
Another example is the procedure of production of polymer
Polymer
A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units. These subunits are typically connected by covalent chemical bonds...
s. At first, a monomer
Monomer
A monomer is an atom or a small molecule that may bind chemically to other monomers to form a polymer; the term "monomeric protein" may also be used to describe one of the proteins making up a multiprotein complex...
is made. By combining two monomers, a dimer
Dimer
A dimer is a chemical entity consisting of two structurally similar subunits called monomers joined by bonds that can be either strong or weak.- Organic chemistry :...
is produced. With further additions, a trimer and eventually a polymer
Polymer
A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units. These subunits are typically connected by covalent chemical bonds...
is made.