GCSE Chemistry (AQA)

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Condensation Polymerisation

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Organic chemistry Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers

Condensation Polymerisation

8:03 Formation of Polymers
Spec 4.7.3.2
Previous Addition Polymerisation Next Starch & Cellulose
  • Some molecules have two functional groups, which determine how they react.
  • Alcohols have the functional group OH, and carboxylic acids have the functional group COOH.
  • Molecules with two of the same functional groups, one on each side, are called diols (for alcohols) and dicarboxylic acids (for carboxylic acids).
  • In condensation polymerization, monomers with two functional groups react and join together.
  • Polymerization is the process of joining small molecules (monomers) into a long molecule (polymer).
  • Condensation reactions involve the loss of small molecules like water.
  • Condensation polymerization differs from addition polymerization because atoms are lost in the process.
  • Simplifying molecular drawings helps manage complexity in polymerization reactions.
  • Simplified structural formulas use condensed notation and rectangles to represent carbon chains.
  • The simplest polymers are produced from two different monomers with two of the same functional groups.
  • Ethane diol has two OH groups, and hexane dioic acid has two COOH groups.
  • Diols and dicarboxylic acids polymerize to produce polyesters and water.
  • The reaction involves the OH group of the diol reacting with the COOH group of the carboxylic acid, forming an ester linkage and releasing water.
  • The repeating unit of the polymer is represented with brackets, showing the ester linkage.
  • Polyesters are many esters joined together.
  • For exams, understanding the formation of polyesters and specific examples like ethane diol and hexane dioic acid is important.
  • Simplified diagrams using rectangles help focus on functional groups and their reactions.

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