3.8.2

Condensation Polymerisation

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Condensation Polymers

Condensation reactions can produce polymers if the reagent has two functional groups on either end of the molecule. It can form polyesters and polyamides.

Illustrative background for Synthesis of polyestersIllustrative background for Synthesis of polyesters ?? "content

Synthesis of polyesters

  • Condensation reaction between diol and dicarboxylic acid monomers.
    • Dicarboxylic acid derivatives can also be used, such as acid anhydrides and acyl chlorides.
    • The mechanism is nucleophilic addition-elimination, shown above.
  • The condensation reactions produce small molecules, alongside the polymer, such as H2 and HCl.
    • Terylene is a polyester synthesised from ethane-1,2-diol and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid.
Illustrative background for Synthesis of polyamidesIllustrative background for Synthesis of polyamides ?? "content

Synthesis of polyamides

  • Formed by the condensation reaction between diamine and dicarboxylic acid monomers.
    • Again dicarboxylic derivatives can be used instead, such as acid anhydrides and acyl chlorides.
  • Again, the mechanism is the same as for polyesters and a small molecule is also produced.
  • Both fibres of Kevlar and Nylon-6,6 are polyamides.
Illustrative background for Synthesis of polypeptidesIllustrative background for Synthesis of polypeptides ?? "content

Synthesis of polypeptides

  • Proteins (polypeptides) are bipolymers formed from amide linkages. They are a specific type of polyamides.
    • They are produced by condensation reactions between α-amino acids.
  • α-Amino acids contain an amine and a carboxylic acid group at either end.
    • These two groups can react to form the amide linkage.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

1.1Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2Atomic Structure

1.3Chemical Bonding

1.4States of Matter

1.5Chemical Energetics

1.6Electrochemistry

1.7Equilibria

1.8Partition Coefficient

1.9Reaction Kinetics

2Inorganic Chemistry

3Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2Hydrocarbons

3.3Halogen Derivatives

3.4Hydroxy Compounds

3.5Carbonyl Compounds

3.6Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7Nitrogen Compounds

3.8Polymerisation

3.9Analytical Techniques

3.10Organic Synthesis

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