Hydrolysis of Ester & Amide Groups
Chemistry: Cambridge International A Level, topic 3.8.4
Hydrolysis of Ester Groups in Polyesters
Hydrolysis of polyesters breaks up the molecule to produce the original monomers. Polyesters are hydrolysed more easily by alkalis than dilute acids.
Hydrolysis by water
- Polyesters can be hydrolysed using water alone but the reaction is so slow that it isn't noticeable.
- If polyester (the material) was to be hydrolysed by water, rain would break up the polymer and leave a hole in your t-shirt!
Hydrolysis with alkalis
- Polyesters can be hydrolysed with an alkali fairly easily.
- The polyester chains break in the hydrolysis leaving the original monomers.
Hydrolysis with dilute acids
- Polyesters can also be hydrolysed with dilute acids.
- But, polyesters are more resistant to hydrolysis using this method and the reaction proceeds much more slowly.
Hydrolysis of Amide Groups in Polyamides
Hydrolysis of polyamides breaks up the molecule to produce the original monomers. Polyamides are hydrolysed more easily by strong acids than alkalis.
Hydrolysis by water
- Polyamides can be hydrolysed using water alone but the reaction is so slow that it isn't noticeable.
- Nylon is a polyamide.
- If nylon was to be hydrolysed by water, rain would break up the polymer and leave holes in your nylon t-shirts!
Hydrolysis resistance
- Some polyamides are more resistant to hydrolysis than others.
- E.g. kevlar is more resistant to hydrolysis than nylon.
Hydrolysis with acids
- Polyamides can be hydrolysed with a strong acid fairly easily.
- The reaction will be faster the hotter it is.
- The polyamide chains break in the hydrolysis leaving the original monomers.
Hydrolysis with alkalis
- Polyamides can also be hydrolysed with alkalis.
- But, polyamides are much more resistant to hydrolysis using this method.
Test yourself on Hydrolysis of Ester & Amide Groups
What reagent is used to hydrolyse polyesters most quickly?
Which of the following are true about hydrolysis of polyesters?
Which of the following is NOT true about hydrolysis of polyesters?
What reagent hydrolyses polyamides most quickly?
Which of the following are true about hydrolysis of polyamides?