The whole or part of a
macromolecule, an
oligomer molecule or a
block, comprising a linear or branched
sequence of
constitutional units between two boundary constitutional units, each of which may be either an
end-group, a
branch point or an otherwise-designated characteristic feature of the macromolecule.
Notes:
- Except in linear single-strand macromolecules, the definition of a chain may be somewhat
arbitrary.
- A cyclic macromolecule has no end groups but may nevertheless be regarded as a chain.
- Any number of branch points may be present between the boundary units.
- Where appropriate, definitions relating to 'macromolecule' may also be applied to 'chain'.
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 2287
(Glossary of basic terms in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 1996))
on page 2293
Cite as:
IUPAC. Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book"). Compiled by
A. D. McNaught and A.Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford (1997).
XML on-line corrected version: http://goldbook.iupac.org (2006-) created by M. Nic,
J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. ISBN 0-9678550-9-8.
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.
