Condensation Polymerisation Flashcards

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What is condensation polymerisation?

It is a reaction where many small molecules (monomers) join to make a long chain (polymer). A small molecule such as water is also made and removed.

How is condensation polymerisation different from addition polymerisation?

In addition polymerisation only the polymer forms and no other product is made. In condensation polymerisation, a polymer and a small molecule, such as water, are both formed.

Why do monomers for condensation polymerisation usually have two functional groups?

They need two functional groups so each monomer can join to two others. This lets the chain grow and form a long polymer.

What two types of monomer react together to make a polyester?

A diol (a molecule with two -OH groups) and a dicarboxylic acid (a molecule with two -COOH groups) react together to make a polyester.

What small molecule is usually lost when a polyester is formed in condensation polymerisation?

Water is usually lost when each ester link forms in a polyester chain.

What two types of monomer react together to make a polyamide such as nylon?

A diamine (a molecule with two -NH2 groups) and a dicarboxylic acid (a molecule with two -COOH groups) react together to make a polyamide such as nylon.

Which functional groups react to form an ester link in a polyester?

An alcohol group (-OH) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) react to form an ester link in a polyester chain.

Which functional groups react to form an amide link in a polyamide?

An amine group (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) react to form an amide link in a polyamide chain.

What is meant by a diol and a dicarboxylic acid in condensation polymerisation?

A diol is a molecule with two alcohol (-OH) groups. A dicarboxylic acid is a molecule with two carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups.

Why can some condensation polymers be biodegradable?

Some condensation polymers, such as certain polyesters and polyamides, can be broken down by water and micro-organisms. This means they can be biodegradable, unlike many addition polymers.