https://wikimd.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=OligomerOligomer - Revision history2026-04-27T05:33:20ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Oligomer&diff=5832031&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-05-27T02:02:36Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:15-crown-5 and monomer 3D balls.png|thumb|15-crown-5 and monomer 3D balls|right]] [[File:Tetrapeptide structural formulae v.1.png|thumb|Tetrapeptide structural formulae v.1|left]] [[File:Mpyv vp1 pentamer vp2 1sie 1cn3.png|thumb|Mpyv vp1 pentamer vp2 1sie 1cn3.png]] '''Oligomer'''<br />
An '''oligomer''' is a molecular complex that consists of a few monomer units, in contrast to a [[polymer]] which consists of many monomers. The term oligomer is derived from the Greek words "oligos," meaning "a few," and "meros," meaning "part." Oligomers can be classified based on the number of monomer units they contain, such as dimers (two monomers), trimers (three monomers), tetramers (four monomers), and so on.<br />
==Types of Oligomers==<br />
Oligomers can be categorized into several types based on their chemical structure and the nature of the monomers involved:<br />
* '''[[Biological oligomers]]''': These include [[proteins]], [[nucleic acids]], and [[polysaccharides]] that are composed of a small number of monomer units. For example, [[oligopeptides]] are short chains of [[amino acids]], and [[oligonucleotides]] are short sequences of [[nucleotides]].<br />
* '''[[Synthetic oligomers]]''': These are artificially synthesized and include materials such as [[oligomeric siloxanes]] and [[oligomeric ethylene oxides]].<br />
==Properties==<br />
Oligomers exhibit properties that are intermediate between those of monomers and polymers. They often have lower [[molecular weight]]s and may display unique physical and chemical properties that are not observed in their monomeric or polymeric forms. For example, oligomers can have distinct [[solubility]], [[viscosity]], and [[melting point]] characteristics.<br />
==Applications==<br />
Oligomers have a wide range of applications in various fields:<br />
* '''[[Biotechnology]]''': Oligonucleotides are used in [[PCR]] (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and as [[probes]] in [[genetic testing]].<br />
* '''[[Materials science]]''': Oligomeric compounds are used in the production of [[resins]], [[adhesives]], and [[coatings]].<br />
* '''[[Pharmaceuticals]]''': Oligomeric drugs are being developed for targeted therapies and as [[drug delivery systems]].<br />
==Synthesis==<br />
The synthesis of oligomers can be achieved through various chemical processes, including:<br />
* '''[[Step-growth polymerization]]''': This method involves the reaction of bifunctional or multifunctional monomers to form oligomers.<br />
* '''[[Chain-growth polymerization]]''': In this process, monomers add to a growing chain one at a time, forming oligomers before reaching high molecular weights.<br />
==See Also==<br />
* [[Polymer]]<br />
* [[Monomer]]<br />
* [[Dimer]]<br />
* [[Trimer]]<br />
* [[Tetramer]]<br />
* [[Oligopeptide]]<br />
* [[Oligonucleotide]]<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Chemistry]]<br />
[[Category:Biochemistry]]<br />
[[Category:Materials science]]<br />
[[Category:Polymers]]<br />
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