6.2.3 - Polyesters and Polyamides Flashcards
What is condensation in
terms of polymers?
Small molecule eliminated (usually H2O) to form
a larger molecule
How many monomers are
condensation polymers
usually formed from?
two
What properties do these
monomers forming
condensation polymers
have?
Each has two functional groups
Examples of condensation
polymers?
Polyesters
Polyamides
Polypeptides
What is the linkage in a
polyester?
R-COO-R’
What molecule is eliminated
in formation of a polyester?
H2O
What are the two monomers
which form a polyester
(generic names and
structures)?
Diol and dicarboxylic acid or a molecule with both
alcohol and a carboxylic acid functional groups
What is the linkage in a
polyamide?
CONH
What is the linkage in a
polyamide?
CONH
Which molecule is
eliminated when a
polyamide is formed?
H2O
What are the two monomers
used to form a polyamide
(generic names and
structures)?
Diamine and dicarboxylic acid
Why are poly(alkenes) not
biodegradable?
Non-polar C-H and C-C bonds
Why is it bad to burn
poly(alkenes)?
Releases CO2, CO, C (soot) and other toxic
chemicals from monomers
Where do most
poly(alkenes) end up?
Landfill sites
Why can condensation
polymers be broken down?
They have polar bonds
How are condensation
polymers broken down?
Hydrolysis (opposite of condensation)
What is the difference
between addition and
condensation
polymerisation?
Condensation makes the polymer and eliminates
a small molecule; addition polymerisation breaks
C=C to form only one product (just the polymer).
Explain hydrogen bonding
between polyamides
Both C=O and N-H are polar bonds, as N’s electronegativity >
H’s and O’s electronegativity > C’s.
Hydrogen bonding between H + and O - in different
molecules
Uses the lone pair of electrons on the O at
Why do polyesters not show
hydrogen bonding?
All O-H bonds are removed during polymerisation
