monomer: Quick Facts

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A three-stage diagram shows the emulsion-polymerization process: monomer droplets, free-radical initiators, and surfactant molecules are added to a water bath; surfactants form micelles around monomers before polymerization; and, after polymerization, latex particles are suspended in the water. Labels identify key components and the transformation from monomer to latex particle.

Diagram showing common functional groups in monomers-amine, carboxylic acid, alcohol, and isocyanate-at the top, and their resulting polymer linkages-amide, ester, and carbamate (urethane)-at the bottom, with color-coded chemical structures and connecting lines illustrating how monomers combine during polymerization.

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polymer polyfunctional compound molecule radical Biomolecule Why Is a Group of Molecules Called a Mole?configuration conformation diatomic molecule Are There Triangular Molecules?macromolecule ion molecular weight