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What is a polymer?
A long chain molecule which is made by lots of smaller molecules joining together.
How do molecules containing C=C bond form polymers?
C=C bonds open up and many smaller molecules (monomers) join together to form a chain (a polymer). No other products are made.
It’s called an “addition polymerization” reaction.
Give three examples of addition polymers and their uses.
Polyethene - plastic bags.
(Poly)tetrafluoroethene (PTFE) - teflon surfaces, for use in non-stick kitchenware.
(Poly)chloroethene (polyvinylchloride, PVC) - water pipes.
What is a repeating unit of a polymer?
It is a smallest structure which, upon numerous translations, yields the structure of the polymer.
In addition polymers: to draw it, take a monomer, change C=C to C-C and show additional single bonds extending away from these carbons.
What is a condensation polymer?
A polymer made in condensation polymerization.
How are condensation polymers made?
In this reaction, many molecules join together; the polymer is formed, but also a small molecule is released, e.g. H2O, HCl.
What are the two main groups of condensation polymers? Name industrially relevant examples.
Polyesters, e.g. terylene.
Polyamides, e.g. Nylon.
What is an amide bond?
Similar to the ester bond, with O replaced by N.
e.g. (C=O)-NH2.
Just like an ester, it contains the C=O group.
Note 
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