How Do You Spell TELECHELIC?

Pronunciation: [tˌɛlɪt͡ʃˈɛlɪk] (IPA)

Telechelic is a term used in chemistry to describe a molecule with reactive functional groups at both ends. It is pronounced /ˌtɛləˈkiːlɪk/, with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable "tel-" comes from the Greek word "telos" meaning end, while "chelic" refers to the functional groups. The word is spelled with a "t" and "c" at the beginning and end respectively, which may seem unusual but is not unique in chemistry. Telechelic molecules can be useful in many applications, including polymer synthesis and drug delivery.

TELECHELIC Meaning and Definition

1. Telechelic refers to a chemical compound or polymer that possesses reactive end groups at both ends of its molecular structure. The term is derived from the combination of "tele-" meaning distant or far-reaching, and "-chelic" meaning grasping or seizing, indicating the unique characteristic of having functional groups located at opposite ends of a molecule.

   In polymers, telechelic moieties are placed intentionally at each end during the synthesis process, allowing for subsequent chemical reactions at both terminals. These reactive end groups provide attachment points for further modification, which can enable the formation of new structures or facilitate the creation of complex materials with tailored properties. Telechelic polymers are extensively studied in the fields of materials science, chemistry, and engineering due to their reactivity and versatility.

   The telechelic design of a polymer allows for precise control over chain end functionalities, leading to improved performance in various applications. By attaching specific groups at each end, desirable properties such as enhanced solubility, adhesion, or crosslinking ability can be achieved. Furthermore, telechelic polymers enable the construction of block copolymers, where two different polymers are linked together end-to-end, resulting in unique combinations of properties from each component.

   In summary, telechelic substances possess reactive functional groups at opposite ends of their molecular structure, allowing for targeted chemical modifications and enabling the creation of tailored materials with improved properties.

Etymology of TELECHELIC

The word "telechelic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "tele" and "chelos".

1. "Tele" (τῆλε) means "far off" or "at a distance" in Greek. It is often used in words related to communication over long distances, such as "telephone" or "telegraph".

2. "Chelos" (χελος) refers to "goal", "end", or "termination" in Greek. It is commonly associated with words referring to endings or conclusions.

When these two roots are combined, "telechelic" refers to a compound or molecule that possesses reactive or functional groups at both ends of its molecular structure, allowing for the potential coupling or linking of multiple telechelic units, often forming longer chains or networks.