Periodic Table of the Elements

The periodic table of the elements is a fundamental representation of all chemical elements, arranged according to their atomic number, their electron configuration and their chemical properties. Every atom, the smallest unit of a chemical element, has a unique number of protons in its nucleus, which determines its identity. An outstanding element in the periodic table is carbon (C), which plays a central role in organic chemistry.

It forms the backbone of numerous organic compounds and is therefore fundamental to the structure and function of many biological molecules and materials. In addition, in polymers, an important class of materials, various other atoms are found alongside carbon. These can include chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F), oxygen (O), sulphur (S), nitrogen (N) or hydrogen (H), whereby each of these elements has specific properties and functions in the polymer structures.