Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A syndiotactic polymer is a type of synthetic polymer where the substituents on the main chain alternate sides in a regular pattern. This specific arrangement leads to unique physical properties compared to other types of polymers.
The chemical process that combines small molecules called monomers into a covalently bonded chain or network forming polymers.
Atactic Polymer: A type of polymer where the substituents are randomly distributed along the chain, leading to an amorphous material with irregular properties.
Isotactic Polymer: A polymer with all substituents located on the same side of the polymer chain, resulting in a highly ordered structure that often leads to crystallinity