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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
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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:
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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:
Wize Tip
Notice that the monomer units each need to have 2 functional groups (one on each end) so that they can form a polymer and add more monomer units to each end!
In the example above, when both monomers reacted together, which functional group did we get?
ester
For this reason we call this polymer a
polyester
Example 2:
In the example above, when both monomers reacted together, which functional group did we get?
amide
- For this reason, we call this polymer apolyamide
Practice: Polymerization
Was the following polymer likely formed by addition or condensation polymerization? Draw the monomer unit(s) and any eliminated small molecule if applicable.
