Chain depropagation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001838",
  "term": "Chain depropagation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A reverse reaction in chain polymerization where a monomer unit is released from the active chain end, causing the polymer chain to shorten. This process competes with chain propagation and becomes more prevalent at higher temperatures or lower monomer concentrations. The ceiling temperature for a given polymer is the temperature at which the rates of propagation and depropagation are equal.",
  "synonyms": [
    "depropagation"
  ],
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2008, 80, 2163. 'Glossary of terms related to kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms of polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2008)' on page 2168 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200880102163)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/chain-depropagation/"
}