11.8.9

Structure of Polymers

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Structure of Polymers

Addition polymers form when alkenes join by opening double bonds, creating repeating units. Condensation polymers, like polyamides and polyesters, form by removing small molecules.

Illustrative background for Addition polymersIllustrative background for Addition polymers ?? "content

Addition polymers

  • Polymers are made by joining alkenes.
  • Students deduce the repeat unit of an addition polymer from an alkene.
  • The alkene's double bond opens to form a chain.
    • Example: Ethene forms poly(ethene) by repeating –CH2–CH2– units.
  • Understand vice versa: deduce alkene from polymer repeat units.
Illustrative background for Condensation polymers overviewIllustrative background for Condensation polymers overview ?? "content

Condensation polymers overview

  • Condensation polymers are formed by removing small molecules.
  • Condensation polymers form from two types of monomers.
    • Two main types are polyamides and polyesters.
Illustrative background for Polyamides from dicarboxylic acid and diamineIllustrative background for Polyamides from dicarboxylic acid and diamine ?? "content

Polyamides from dicarboxylic acid and diamine

  • Polyamides form from dicarboxylic acid and diamine monomers.
  • This creates a polymer with amide (–CONH–) links.
    • Example: Nylon, a polyamide, forms from hexanedioic acid + 1,6-diaminohexane.
Illustrative background for Polyesters from dicarboxylic acid and diolIllustrative background for Polyesters from dicarboxylic acid and diol ?? "content

Polyesters from dicarboxylic acid and diol

  • Polyesters form from dicarboxylic acid and diol.
  • Repeating units contain ester bonds (–COO–) linking monomers.
    • Example: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) forms from benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid + ethane-1,2-diol.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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