Nomenclature and terminology for linear lactic acid-based polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2019)

Lactic acid enantiomers and cyclic lactic acid dimers, the latter referred to as lactides, are sources of degradable aliphatic polymers that are composed of chiral constitutional repeating units. The different synthesis routes and the various combinations of chiral units result in a multitude of chiral structures and of corresponding properties. Distinctive structural identification is often crucial, especially for applications as degradable polymers. This document provides recommendations for the nomenclature, abbreviations, and terminology related to lactic acid-based polymers in order to allow consistent comparison between polymers of different origins and between data collected within different disciplines.