Skeletal atom

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-010923",
  "term": "Skeletal atom",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An atom that forms part of the main chain or backbone of a polymer molecule, excluding atoms in pendant groups or side chains. These atoms are typically carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, or silicon, forming the continuous sequence that defines the polymer's primary structure. The connectivity of skeletal atoms dictates the overall shape and flexibility of the polymer chain.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "skeletal structure"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2287. 'Glossary of basic terms in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2296 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122287)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/skeletal-atom/"
}