6.2.3 Polyesters and Polyamides: Module 6: Organic Chemistry & Analysis Chemistry OCR A A Level

What is condensation in terms of polymers?

Small molecule eliminated (usually H2O) to form a larger molecule.

How many monomers are condensation polymers usually formed from?

Two (2)

What properties do these monomers forming condensation polymers have?

Each has two functional groups.

Examples of condensation polymers?

Polyesters

Polyamides

Polypeptides

What molecule is eliminated in formation of a polyester?

H2O

What are the two monomers which form a polyester (generic names and structures)?

Diol and dicarboxylic acid or a molecule with both alcohol and a carboxylic acid functional groups.

What is Terylene used for?

As a fibre for making clothes.

Which molecule is eliminated when a polyamide is formed?

H2O

What are the two monomers used to form a polyamide (generic names and structures)?

Diamine and dicarboxylic acid.

Examples of polyamides?

Nylon, Kevlar

If you are making Nylon in the lab, what monomers would you use and why? What molecule is eliminated?

Use hexane-1,6-diacyl chloride as the rate of reaction is much faster. HCl is eliminated.

What is Kevlar used for?

In body armour (bullet proof vests, stab vests), helmets (e.g. F1 drivers’), oven gloves.

Why are poly(alkenes) not biodegradable?

Non-polar C-H and C-C bonds.

Why is it bad to burn poly(alkenes)?

Releases CO2, CO, C (soot) and other toxic

chemicals from monomers.

Where do most poly(alkenes) end up?

Landfill Sites

Why can condensation polymers be broken down?

They have polar bonds.

How are condensation polymers broken down?

Hydrolysis (opposite of condensation)

What is the difference between addition and condensation polymerisation?

Condensation makes the polymer and eliminates a small molecule; addition polymerisation breaks C=C to form only one product (just the polymer).

Why do polyesters not show hydrogen bonding?

All O-H bonds are removed during polymerisation.