Chapter 14 Question

Question

Question 2: Describe the addition and the condensation polymers. Explain the difference between the reactions by which those two groups of polymers are obtained. Provide the examples of both addition, and condensation polymers, and briefly name their applications in life/industry.

Answer 1

Here's a partial answer.

An addition polymer is formed by repeated addition of monomer units, to the reactive end of a growing polymer chain. Typically (but not always) the reactive end of the growing polymer chain is an anion (or equivalent organometallic), cation, or radical center and the monomer unit is an alkene. Examples of addition polymers include

1. polyethylene
2. polypropylene
3. polystyrene
4. polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
5. polybutadiene rubber

A typical condensation polymer is held together by linkages formed in condensation reactions of carbonyl functional groups. Examples of condensation polymers include

1. nylon (held together by amide linkages)
2. kevlar, used in bullet-proof vests (also held together by amide linkages)
3. polyesters (held together, unsurprisingly, by ester linkages)
4. polyurethanes (-NH-(C=O)-O- linkages)
5. polycarbonates, including impact resistant lexan glass (-O-(C=O)-O- linkages)