chemistry - condensation polymers

what polymers are formed by condensation polymerisation?

polyesters

what is a by product of condensation polymerisation?

water

what monomers are used to make polyesters?

a diol and a dicarboxylic acid

what is a diol?

an alcohol with 2 OH groups, one at each end

what is condensation polymerisation?

formation of long chain molecules by lots of small monomers joining together, each with two functional groups which react with each other

what is a dicarboxylic acid?

a carboxylic acid with two COOH groups, one at each end

give the reaction for condensation polymerisation

diol + dicarboxylic acid → polyester + water

how do you draw the repeat unit of a polyester?

• remove the 2 OHs from the dicarboxylic acid

• remove the end Hs from the diol

• join the two together, bracket, and n h

are any polyesters biodegradable?

yes

what are biodegradable polyesters called?

biopolyesters - means they can decompose, don’t stay in landfill, and are less polluting