Condensation Polymers

CONDENSATION POLYMERS are formed when short MONOMERS join together to form a long-chained POLYMER AND A SMALL MOLECULE (such as water).

Unlike ADDITION polymers, CONDENSATION POLYMERS involve two DIFFERENT MONOMERS.

Each monomer has TWO of the SAME FUNCTIONAL GROUPS, such as DIOLS (with two alcohol groups) and DIOIC ACIDS (with two carboxylic acid groups).

Any monomers used in CONDENSATION POLYMERISATION can be simplified with a shorthand formula using BOXES to represent -CH₂- groups.

When polymerisation occurs, the -OH from the ALCOHOL and the -COOH from the CARBOXYLIC ACID react to release WATER (H₂O).

When MANY diols and dioic acid monomers react together, they form MANY WATER molecules.

When the WATER molecules are formed, the the rest of the monomers JOIN to form a LONG CHAINED POLYMER.

Writing Equations for Condensation Polymers

When writing an equation for CONDENSATION POLYMERS,

• Write a 'n' infront of the monomers to represent MANY MONOMERS.
• Join two monomers to make a REPEATING UNIT with a 'n' after to represent all the repeating units.
• Add a '2n' infront of the water to show there are TWO water molecules released for every individual type of monomer present.