Introduction to Polymers
- Polymers are long chains composed of repeating patterns of subunits called monomers
- The chemical process where monomer units are joined together to form polymers is called polymerization
Addition Polymerization
- This is when we have alkene monomers that are joined together through multiple addition reactions to form a polymer
- Note that the polymer does not have double bonds!
Example 1:
Example 2:
Condensation Polymerization
- A condensation polymer is a polymer that is formed when monomer units are linked by condensation reactions
- Recall that condensation reactions result in 2 smaller molecules getting joined together and usually produces water
Example 1:
In the example above, when both monomers reacted together, which functional group did we get? ________
For this reason we call this polymer a ________
Example 2:
In the example above, when both monomers reacted together, which functional group did we get? ________
- For this reason, we call this polymer a ________