Condensation Polymerisation

Key Stage 4 Higher

Condensation polymerisation is a reaction in which monomers combine to form polymers producing a H₂O or HCl molecule for each addition of a monomer.

Condensation polymerisation reactions are called condensation reactions because they usually produce Water, but they may also produce other small molecules such as HCl.

Condensation polymerisation reactions happen commonly in biological organisms.

Condensation polymerisation reactions which produce Water can happen when one end of a molecule carries an -OH group while the other end carries a -COOH group. These react together joining the molecules forming a Polyester.

Condensation polymerisation reactions which produce Water can also happen when one molecule carries two -OH groups at either end of the molecule while the other molecule carries two -COOH groups. These two molecules react together joining the molecules forming a Polyester and producing Water.


Ethandioate and Ethandiol can react together in a Condensation Polymerisation.		A Polyester is formed along with Water.

The monosaccharide glucose can bond in a condensation polymersiation reaction to produce starch or glycogen.

n x Monosaccharides → Polysaccharide + Water

n x Glucose → Starch + Water

Where 'n' represents an integer.


Glucose molecules react together in a condensation polymerisation reaction.		Starch is formed along with Water.

Each Amino Acid has an NH₂ group which acts as a base and an -COOH group which acts as an acid. These functional groups react to produce Polypeptides and Water.

n x Peptides → Polypeptide + Water

Where 'n' represents an integer.


Glycine molecules react together in a condensation polymerisation reaction.		A Polypeptide (Protein) is formed along with Water. In reality Polypeptides are made of many different Peptides (Amino Acids) rather than the same one repeated.