Dimer

Term for a molecule that consists of two subunits (di=two, mer=thing), the monomers.

In terms of size, molecular mass and complexity, the dimer is the simplest polymer. The process of dimer formation is called dimerization (dimerization).

Dimers are subdivided into

• Homodimers (both monomers are identical)
• and
• heterodimers (both monomers are usually similar but different).

The subunits in dimers can be connected to each other in different ways. The covalent, i.e. linked via atomic bonds, and non-covalent dimer linkage is common. Van der Waals, dipole, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions as well as hydrogen bonds play a decisive role in the cohesion of dimers.