Condensation Polymerisation
Contents
Key Stage 4 Higher
Meaning
Condensation polymerisation is a reaction in which monomers combine to form polymers producing a H2O or HCl molecule for each addition of a monomer.
About Condensation Polymerisation
- 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.
Forming Polyesters
- 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.