Polymer Organic Chemistry

3 credits · Undergraduate

This course will introduce concepts pertaining to the synthesis of modern polymers. We will focus on the major polymerization methods including step-growth, radical, anionic, cationic, ring-opening, and organometallic polymerizations with emphasis given to the mechanisms, kinetics, and thermodynamics of each polymerization method. More specialized topics such as “living” and “controlled” polymerizations, stereochemistry, and polymer sustainability will also be discussed in detail. Throughout the course we will emphasize the historical developments and people behind the advancements in the field of polymer science.