Additional Polymerisation & Condensation Polymerisation

What is a monomer?

A small molecule that can join with many other monomers to form a polymer.

What is a polymer?

A very large molecule formed from many repeating monomer units.

What is addition polymerisation?

A reaction in which many alkene monomers join together to form a polymer.

What happens to the C

C bonds during addition polymerisation?

Is another molecule produced during addition polymerisation?

No.

What happens when ethene polymerises?

Produces poly(ethene).

What happens when propene polymerises?

Propene monomers join to form poly(propene).

What is condensation polymerisation?

Polymerisation involving monomers with two functional groups, which join together while small molecules, usually water, are eliminated.

Why must condensation-polymer monomers have two functional groups?

They need to form bonds at both ends, allowing a long polymer chain to form.

What small molecule is commonly produced during condensation polymerisation?

Water.

How does condensation polymerisation differ from addition polymerisation?

Addition: usually alkene monomers -- C