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What makes a polymer a condensation polymer?

What makes a polymer a condensation polymer?

Comparison schematic showing generic condensation polymerisation: dicarboxylic acid plus diol forming a polyester and dicarboxylic acid plus diamine forming a polyamide, with water eliminated and ester or amide linkages labelled

Condensation polymerisation forms a long-chain molecule when monomers join and a small molecule is eliminated each time a new link forms. The small molecule is usually water, which distinguishes this process from addition polymerisation where no small molecule is lost.

Condensation polymers (A-level only) Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Condensation polymers (A-level only)

Step-by-step lessons on AQA A Level Chemistry Condensation polymers (A-level only). Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Build confidence with atomic structure, bonding and moles calculations early on, since these underpin the more demanding organic mechanisms, equilibrium and practical-analysis topics that dominate Year 2.

Lessons