Topic 1 · pp. 153–156 · Free
Topic Notes · Easy summaries with diagrams
Chapter 26 — Chapter 26 — Polymers
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📘Easy summary
Polymers are huge molecules of many repeating monomers. Addition polymerization: monomers with C=C join, no by-product, high pressure + catalyst (catalyst lowers activation energy and starts/speeds chain growth): n CH₂=CH₂ → –[CH₂–CH₂]–ₙ polyethene (bags, bottles); PVC, polystyrene, polypropylene. Condensation: two different monomers each with two functional groups join, eliminating H₂O/HCl/NH₃; polymer has specific linkage. PET (polyester): ethane-1,2-diol + terephthalic acid → ester linkage –CO–O–, acid/base catalyst; can be chemically recycled to monomers (heating without O₂) and repolymerised. Polyamide (nylon): dicarboxylic acid + diamine → amide linkage –CO–NH–. Addition polymer mass = sum of monomers; condensation not.
⭐Key points
- Ester –COO–, amide –CONH–.
🔬Diagram
🌿Real-life example
PET bottles recycled.
💡Exam tip
- Draw repeat units.
✅Quick check
1. Amide linkage:
2. Condensation:
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