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Year 11 - Science

Condensation polymerisation

Organic chemistry

Unit Summary

This unit covers identifying functional groups, naming and drawing structural formulae, and predicting reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. It explains addition and condensation polymerisation and discusses natural polymers like DNA, sugars, and amino acids.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the basic principles of condensation polymerisation.

Key Notes

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

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Thinking that all polymers are only made up of one monomer. Also, confusing condensation reactions to think that it means to condense and take up less space.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Condensation polymerisation requires monomers with two functional groups. Condensation polymers can be made of two different monomers.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'condensation polymerisation'

Condensation polymerisation is a type of polymerisation where monomers join together to form a polymer and a small molecule such as water. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Thinking that all polymers are only made up of one monomer. Also, confusing condensation reactions to think that it means to condense and take up less space. Correction: Examples are shown where more than one monomer is used to make condensation polymers. Discuss what condensation is, and how condensation polymerisation produces water or other small molecules depending on the monomers used.

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