(Condensation)Polymers

Flashcards covering key concepts related to condensation polymers, their formation, characteristics, and examples.

What are condensation polymers developed to make substitutes for?

Natural fibers such as silk and wool.

What two different functional groups are involved in the formation of polyesters?

Carboxylic acids and alcohols.

What does a carboxylic acid react with to form an ester?

An alcohol.

What is produced along with an ester when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol?

A molecule of water.

What are the two component types that make up a polyester?

Dicarboxylic acid and diol.

What is a key characteristic of polymers compared to monomers?

Polymers are very large molecules, whereas monomers are much smaller.

Why do polymers generally melt at higher temperatures than monomers?

Because the intermolecular forces between polymer strands are stronger than those between monomers.

What do addition polymers form from?

Alkenes, because of their carbon-carbon double bonds.

What is the polymer formed from the monomer 'ethene'?

Poly(ethene).

What form do polymers typically take at room temperature?

Solids.

What type of polymer forms between dicarboxylic acids and diamines?

Polyamides.

What is one benefit of condensation polymers compared to addition polymers?

Condensation polymers are biodegradable, while addition polymers are not.

What are amino acids polymerized to make?

Proteins.

What are starch and cellulose both polymers of?

Sugar (glucose monomers).

What is DNA made of?

Four different nucleotide monomers.

How are the two polymer chains in DNA linked together?

In a helix.