Exercises · 15.8
Q.How can you differentiate between addition and condensation polymerisation?
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The two mechanisms are distinguished on several counts:
| Feature | Addition polymerisation | Condensation polymerisation |
|---|---|---|
| Monomer type | Contains a reactive double/triple bond (unsaturated) | Contains two or more reactive functional groups (bi/poly-functional, e.g. -OH, -COOH, -NH2) |
| By-product | None; monomers simply add on | Small molecules (usually , sometimes or alcohol) are eliminated at each step |
| Molecular formula | Polymer's formula is an exact multiple of the monomer's formula | Polymer's formula differs from a simple multiple of the monomer's formula (mass is lost as by-product) |
| Mechanism | Chain-growth: fast, via free-radical/cationic/anionic intermediates | Step-growth: any two monomer/oligomer units can react; proceeds stepwise |
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