Polymerisation
29.1 Condensation Polymers:
- Addition polymers – monomers combine to give one polymer molecule. 29.1 Condensation polymers
- Condensation polymers – monomers combine to give one polymer molecule and
a small molecule is eliminated (e.g., H2O or HCl).
- Condensation polymers are normally made from two different monomers, each with two functional
groups
- Polyesters, polyamides, and polypeptides are all examples of condensation polymers.
Polyester:
- Has the -COO- ester linkage
- Made from dicarboxylic acids and
diols.
- E.g., Terylene
Polyamides:
- Has the -CONH- amide linkage
- Made from a diamines and
dicarboxylic acids.
- E.g., Nylon or Kevlar
Polymer Type Bond Monomers Uses
Terylene Polyester Ester Benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid
Ethane-1,2-diol
Nylon-6,6 Polyamide Amide 1,6-diaminohexane Used for making fishing nets, ropes,
Hexane-1,6-dicarboxylic acid parachutes, and fabrics
Kevlar Polyamide Amide Benzene-1,4-diamine Rigid chains, flat aromatic rings pack
Benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid close together to get held by strong
intermolecular forces. Used for
bullet/stab proof vests and oven
gloves
Polypeptides:
- Polypeptides are also polyamides; they can be made from one amino acid monomer or from many
different ones. The amine group of one molecule can react with the carboxylic acid group in another
molecule.
- A molecule of water is lost when each peptide link is formed.
Hydrolysis products: