Chemistry 6.2.3 Polyesters and Polyamides

How do condensation polymers form?

When a water molecule is removed from the species of the reaction.

What types of polymers are formed through condensation?

Polyesters and polyamides

How are polyesters formed?

When a dicarboxylic acid and a diol react together forming an ester linkage -COO-

How can polyesters/polyamides be broken down? why?

Hydrolysis due to the polarity of the polymer molecules

Are polyesters biodegradable? why?

Yes as they are broken down in nature by naturally occurring moisture or water

How are polyamides formed?

Reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and diamine producing an amide linkage -CONH-

How can condensation polymers be reversed?

Acid or base hydrolysis

What is the result of acid hydrolysis of a polyester?

dicarboxylic acid and diol

What is the result of a base hydrolysis of a polyester?

A salt and alcohol

What is polymerisation?

A process in which small molecules called monomers join together into large molecules consisting of repeating units

What are the two types of polymerisation?

Condensation and addition

How does addition polymerisation work?

Occurs with alkenes where a polymer is formed due to the breaking of the double bond.