Polymers are large molecules formed by:

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The joining of many small repeating units (monomers) through chemical reactions. Polymers are large molecules (macromolecules) formed by the chemical joining of many small repeating units called monomers through a process called polymerization. The polymer chain can consist of hundreds to millions of monomer units linked together. There are two main types of polymerization: addition polymerization (where monomers join directly, typically involving double-bond opening, as in polyethylene) and condensation polymerization (where monomers join with the loss of a small molecule like water, as in nylon and polyester).

Breaking down large molecules into smaller units describes depolymerization or degradation, which is the reverse of polymerization. The crystallization of single atoms into ordered structures describes the formation of crystalline solids, not polymers. Nuclear fusion combines atomic nuclei to form heavier elements, which is an entirely different process from the chemical bonding that creates polymers.

Polymers are critically important in both biology and technology. Biological polymers include proteins (polymers of amino acids), nucleic acids (polymers of nucleotides), polysaccharides (polymers of sugars), and lipids (which form membrane structures). Synthetic polymers include plastics (polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene), fibers (nylon, polyester), and rubbers. Understanding the basic chemistry of polymerization, the distinction between natural and synthetic polymers, and the relationship between monomer structure and polymer properties is relevant for the CLEP Chemistry exam.

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