What is Polymerization Reaction?

The reaction in which multiple units of the same compound (such as unsaturated hydrocarbons) sequentially combine to form a large molecule is called polymerization. The resulting compound is referred to as a polymer, and the original compound is called a monomer.

For example, under high pressure (1000-1200 atm) and elevated temperature (100-200°C) in the presence of a small amount of oxygen, the polymerization of numerous ethene (C2H4) molecules occurs. This process produces polyethylene, a polymer, from ethene monomers.