Condensation polymers

What is condensation polymerisation?

A reaction where many small molecules are joined together to make a long chain molecule plus a small molecule.

How are polyesters made?

Made when molecules with two carboxylic acid functional groups react with two alcohol functional groups. Carboxylic acids react with alcohol groups to form ester linkages (-COO-) and give off water.

Why are they called ‘condensation’ polymers?

Because they also produce water as a by product of the reaction.

Name some synthetic condensation polymers.

Polyester: Terylene, Polyamide: Nylon, Kevlar

Name some naturally occurring condensation polymers.

Starch, cellulose, protein

How are polyamides made?

When molecules with two carboxylic acid functional groups react with molecules with two amine functional groups. The carboxylic acid groups react with the amine groups to form amide linkages (-CONH-) and give off water.

What is the amine functional group?

-NH2