Intermediate Topic 833 of 1102 Organic Chemistry
Condensation Polymers
Formed by joining monomers with elimination of small molecules, such as nylon and polyesters.
In-depth explanation of Condensation Polymers
Condensation polymers form by step-growth polymerization, in which monomers with two or more functional groups join together and release a small molecule such as water or methanol at each linking step. Important examples include polyamides such as nylon, polyesters such as PET, and polycarbonates. Because each monomer needs at least two reactive groups, the polymer chain grows by joining monomers, dimers and longer oligomers in any combination. Their repeating units differ from the monomers because of the lost small molecule.
Going deeper: Condensation Polymers
Key ideas: Step-growth polymers formed by repeated reaction of two functional groups with loss of a small molecule such as water or HCl. Nylon 6,6 comes from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, nylon 6 from caprolactam, polyesters like Terylene (PET) from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, Bakelite from phenol and formaldehyde. Molar mass rises only at very high conversion (Carothers equation), and exact stoichiometry is vital.
Common mistakes and connections: Students forget the by-product molecule, or assume a high-molecular-weight polymer forms early in the reaction. Another error is thinking a monomer must have two identical groups; A-B monomers such as amino acids work. Links to amide and ester formation, proteins and biodegradable polyesters.
Visualization of Condensation Polymers
Bifunctional monomers join through ester or amide links, releasing a small molecule such as water at each step. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Nylon-6,6 forms from hexanedioic acid and 1,6-diaminohexane, with water released at each amide link.
Frequently asked questions about Condensation Polymers
What is Condensation Polymers?
Formed by joining monomers with elimination of small molecules, such as nylon and polyesters.
Is Condensation Polymers a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Condensation Polymers is a intermediate topic in Organic Chemistry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before Condensation Polymers?
Study these earlier topics in Organic Chemistry first: Nucleic Acid Structure, Polymers Overview, Addition Polymers.
What comes after Condensation Polymers?
The next topics in Organic Chemistry are Natural and Synthetic Rubber and Biodegradable Polymers.
Can I practise Condensation Polymers with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Condensation Polymers, and the Organic Chemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Condensation Polymers fits in Organic Chemistry
Condensation Polymers is topic 105 of 148 in Organic Chemistry.