Key learning points

1. Condensation polymerisation requires monomers with two functional groups.
2. Condensation polymers can be made of two different monomers.
3. A polyester is formed by reaction of a monomer with two carboxylic acid groups with a monomer with two alcohol groups.
4. In condensation polymerisation as well as the polymer a small molecule is formed, usually water.
5. Amino acids contain two functional groups and can form polypeptides and proteins.

Keywords

• Condensation polymerisation - Condensation polymerisation is a type of polymerisation where monomers join together to form a polymer and a small molecule such as water.

• Addition polymerisation - Addition polymerisation is a type of polymerisation where monomers with a C=C double bond join together to form only one product, a polymer.

• Polyesters - Polyesters are condensation polymers formed from monomers containing carboxylic acid and alcohol groups. They contain ester bonds.

• Polyamides - Polyamides are condensation polymers formed from monomers containing carboxylic acid and amine groups. They contain amide bonds.

• Polypeptides - Polypeptides are condensation polymers formed from amino acids. They contain peptide bonds.

Common misconception