POLYACETYLENE Meaning and
Definition
-
Polyacetylene is a chemical compound that refers to a polymer consisting of alternating carbon-carbon double bonds, also known as conjugated double bonds, with a linear arrangement. It is a synthetic polymer usually formed through polymerization reactions to create a chain-like structure. Each carbon atom in the polymer is bonded to two other carbon atoms, resulting in a highly conjugated network.
Polyacetylene is hailed for its remarkable electrical conductivity, which is unusual for most polymers. Its electrical properties arise from the extensive delocalization of pi electrons throughout the conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds. This unique characteristic makes polyacetylene a promising material for various electronic applications, such as organic solar cells, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).
The structure of polyacetylene can be modified by adding impurities or dopants, which can further enhance its electrical conductivity. This process, known as doping, involves incorporating atoms or molecules that donate or accept electrons into the polymer, leading to the formation of charged or neutral defects.
Polyacetylene was first synthesized in the 1970s and since then has received considerable attention in the field of materials science due to its potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics. Its versatile properties and ability to conduct electricity have driven extensive research to explore its potential as a low-cost and flexible alternative to conventional inorganic materials in various electronic devices.
Etymology of POLYACETYLENE
The word "polyacetylene" is derived from the combination of two terms: "poly" and "acetylene".
1. "Poly" is a prefix of Greek origin, meaning "many" or "multiple". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate that a compound or substance consists of multiple units or repeating units.
2. "Acetylene" refers to a highly flammable hydrocarbon gas that has the chemical formula C₂H₂. It is commonly used as a fuel and is characterized by its triple bond between carbon atoms.
When these two terms are combined, "polyacetylene" implies a polymer or a large molecule made up of numerous repeating units of acetylene. It refers to a specific polymer consisting of a chain-like structure where each unit is connected through alternating single and triple bonds between carbon atoms.
