Chapter 29- Condensation Polymerisation Flashcards
What is a polymer?
A large molecule made from many small units bonded together
What is a monomer?
A small molecule that bonds to other monomers to form a polymer
What is an addition polymer?
A long chain molecule formed when many monomers bond together where the polymer is the only product. Often happens through ‘opening up’ of C=C double bond
What is a condensation polymer?
A long chain molecule formed when many monomers bond together producing the polymer and also small molecules, eg water
What are some examples of condensation polymers?
Polyesters
Polyamides/ polypeptides
What is produced when dicarboxylic acids and diamines react together?
Polyamides, a molecule of water is removed from the
-COOH and -NH2 group and an amide link is formed
What are polyamides?
A condensation polymer formed by the linkage of an amino group in one monomer and a carboxylic acid group of another.
They can be broken down by hydrolysis and are biodegradable.
What is an amide/ peptide link?
-CONH-
What are two examples of polyamides?
Kevlar
Nylon (6,6)
How is Kevlar formed?
benzene- 1,4- dicarboxylic acid and benzene- 1,4- diamine react to form Kevlar
How is nylon (6,6) formed?
hexane- 1,6 -diamine and hexane- 1,6- dicarboxylic acid react to form nylon 6,6
What is produced when dicarboxylic acids and diols react together?
Polyesters, a molecule of water is removed from the
-COOH and -OH group and an ester link is formed
What are polyesters?
Condensation polymer formed by the linkage of an alcohol group in one monomer with a carboxylic acid group of another.
These polymers can be broken down by hydrolysis and are biodegradable
What is an example of a polyester?
Terylene (PET)
How is terylene (PET) formed?
benzene- 1,4- dicarboxylic acid and ethane-1,2- diol react to produce terylene
What is Kevlar used for?
Bulletproof vests
What is nylon 6,6 used for?
Clothing, fabrics, etc.
What is terylene used for?
Plastic bottles, sheets, sails, etc.
What is produced when amino acids react together?
Polyamides, due to one monomer having both -NH2 and -COOH groups, one monomer can form the polymer. A water molecule is removed from the groups forming an amide link
What is hydrolysis?
A reaction which uses water to break down a compound
How can condensation polymers be broken down through hydrolysis?
They can be broken down into their constituent molecules by the addition of H2O, as it is attracted to polar regions of the polymer so links can be broken down
What are common intermolecular forces between condensation polymers?
Dipole-dipole attractions- polar bonds in amide and ester links create permanent dipoles so dipole-dipole attractions between polymer chains
Hydrogen bonds- H bonded to N in amide links create H bonds between polymer chains
What properties do condensation polymers have?
Dipole-dipole attractions and H-bonds between polymer chains hold them strongly together, so useful for bulletproof vests and heat-resistant materials
What are polyalkenes and what are their properties?
Addition polymers made of alkene monomers joined together. They are chemically inert and non biodegradable due to no polar bonds in main polymer chain
What does it mean if something is biodegradable?
It can be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
How are polyalkenes and other addition polymers disposed of?
They are chemically inert and non-biodegradable so have to be burned producing harmful products
How are condensation polymers disposed of?
Polyesters and polyamides can be broken down through hydrolysis due to polar bonds. Can be put into landfill as they are biodegradable and will eventually break down due to moisture and bacteria
How can plastics be disposed of?
Can be recycled saving natural resources, but it is difficult and time consuming, have to be sorted and washed
Why are condensation polymers biodegradable but addition polymers are not?
Condensation polymers contain polar bonds in the main polymer chain but addition polymers do not
Condensation polymers can be broken down through hydrolysis, by bacteria, susceptible to attack from nucleophiles
