Propagating species

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009544",
  "term": "Propagating species",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A reactive intermediate, such as a radical, anion, cation, or coordination complex, that adds monomer units sequentially to form a growing polymer chain. This species is responsible for the continuous extension of the polymer backbone. Its stability and reactivity dictate the rate and mechanism of chain growth.",
  "synonyms": [
    "active macromolecule (in RDP)",
    "active polymer chain",
    "growing chain"
  ],
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2022, 94, 1093. 'Terminology for chain polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 1124 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-1211)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/propagating-species/"
}