Chemical reaction that leads to the formation of ring structures in or from polymer
chains.
Notes:
- Examples of cyclization along polymer chains are: (a) cyclization of polyacrylonitrile, (b) acetalization of poly(vinyl alcohol) with an aldehyde,
(c) cyclization of polymers of conjugated dienes, such as polyisoprene or polybutadiene, leading to macrocycles.
- Examples of cyclization of polymer molecules are: (a) cyclization of poly(dimethylsiloxane),
(b) back-biting reaction during ionic polymerizations of heterocyclic monomers.
Source:
PAC, 2004, 76, 889
(Definitions of terms relating to reactions of polymers and to functional polymeric
materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2003))
on page 893