AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Condensation polymerisation involves monomers with two functional groups.
Full specification wording
Condensation polymerisation (HT only): Condensation polymerisation involves monomers with two functional groups.
Condensation polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers with two functional groups react together.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 4
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Condensation polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers with two functional groups react together. Each monomer must have two reactive groups, such as two carboxylic acid groups or two alcohol groups, or one of each. When they react, a small molecule such as water is eliminated for each new bond formed between monomers. For example, a dicarboxylic acid and a diol react to form a polyester and water. The two functional groups allow the monomer to link in two directions, creating a long chain. This is different from addition polymerisation, where monomers have a C=C double bond and no small molecule is eliminated.
What earns the marks
- Condensation polymerisation involves monomers that each have two functional groups.
- The two functional groups react to form bonds between monomers, extending the chain in two directions.
- A small molecule, often water, is eliminated for each new bond formed.
- Common examples include dicarboxylic acids with diols to form polyesters, and diamines with dicarboxylic acids to form polyamides.
- The repeating unit of a condensation polymer contains the atoms of the monomers minus the atoms lost as small molecules.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking that monomers for condensation polymerisation need a C=C double bond.
Put it right by stating that they need two functional groups such as –COOH or –OH.
Forgetting that a small molecule is eliminated.
Put it right by showing water or another small molecule as a product.
Drawing a repeating unit that includes all atoms of the monomers without removing the small molecule.
Put it right by subtracting the atoms of the eliminated molecule.
Exam tips
- When identifying monomers for condensation polymerisation, look for two functional groups on each molecule.
- When drawing the repeating unit, show the ester or amide linkage and include the atoms that remain after elimination of the small molecule.
- Remember that condensation polymerisation is higher tier only, so focus on understanding the process rather than memorising specific polymers.
Try the lesson
The start of the Condensation polymerisation (HT only): Condensation polymerisation involves monomers with two functional groups. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which statement describes the functional groups needed for condensation polymerisation?
Listen
Condensation polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers with two functional groups react together. Each monomer must have two reactive groups, such as two carboxylic acid groups or two alcohol groups, or one of each. When they react, a small molecule such as water is eliminated for each new bond formed between monomers. For example, a dicarboxylic acid and a diol react to form a polyester and water. The two functional groups allow the monomer to link in two directions, creating a long chain. This is different from addition polymerisation, where monomers have a C=C double bond and no small molecule is eliminated. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Condensation polymerisation involves monomers that each have two functional groups. The two functional groups react to form bonds between monomers, extending the chain in two directions. A small molecule, often water, is eliminated for each new bond formed. Common examples include dicarboxylic acids with diols to form polyesters, and diamines with dicarboxylic acids to form polyamides. A common slip: Thinking that monomers for condensation polymerisation need a C=C double bond. Instead, stating that they need two functional groups such as –COOH or –OH. Exam tip: When identifying monomers for condensation polymerisation, look for two functional groups on each molecule.
Key words
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Condensation polymerisation
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Polyester
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Repeating unit
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See every definition
- Condensation polymerisation
- A type of polymerisation in which monomers with two functional groups react together, and a small molecule is eliminated for each new bond formed.
- Polyester
- The polymer formed when a dicarboxylic acid and a diol react, with water eliminated.
- Repeating unit
- The part of a condensation polymer that contains the atoms of the monomers minus the atoms lost as small molecules.
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