2.4D Addition and Condensation Polymers

What are Addition Polymers?

Very long organic molecules formed through addition reactions between monomers with unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds.

Condensation Polymers

Very long organic molecules formed through condensation reactions between monomers with two reactive functional groups, resulting in the release of a small molecule.

Functional Group

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that determines its chemical properties and reactivity.

Carboxylic Acid

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group.

Alcohol

A functional group consisting of a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom.

Amine

A functional group consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more carbon atoms.

Esterification

The reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, resulting in the formation of an ester.

Peptide Bonds

The bonds formed between a carboxylic acid and an amine during a condensation reaction.

Condensation with Two (Different) Monomers

The reaction between a monomer with the same functional group at either end and a monomer with a different functional group at either end.

Polyester

A polymer formed from condensation reactions that produce ester linkages between monomers, with monomers having an -OH and a -COOH functional group.

Polyamide

A polymer formed from condensation reactions that produce amide linkages between monomers, with monomers having an -NH2 and a -COOH functional group.

Hydrolysis

The reverse of condensation reactions, where the linkage formed by condensation is split up by a molecule of water.

Addition Polymers vs

Addition polymers contain only carbon-carbon single bonds and are slow to break down, while condensation polymers can be made to be biodegradable and can be broken down by certain bacteria through hydrolysis.