Quick Quiz

1. Define the term condensation polymerisation.

– The joining of two monomers with the elimination of a small molecule.
2. What functional groups are needed to form a polyester?
– Carboxylic acid and alcohol.
3. What functional groups are needed to form a polyamide?
– Carboxylic acid and amine.
4. What are common uses for polyesters and polyamides?
– Fabrics.
Condensation Polymers
6.2.3.1

Objective:
Understand how polyesters and polyamides are formed.

Outcomes:
Must: Describe the formation of polyester and polyamides.
Should: Determine the monomers from a polymer or vice versa.
Could: Compare and contrast different types of polymers.

Specification Links:
Module: 6. Organic Chemistry & Analysis.
Unit: 2. Nitrogen Compounds, Polymers & Synthesis.
Sub-Unit: 3. Polyesters & Polyamides
Specification Points Covered
6.2.3 Condensation Polymers
a. Describe condensation polymerisation to form:
i. Polyesters.
ii. Polyamides.
c. Predict from addition and condensation polymerisation of:
i. The repeat unit from a given monomer(s).
ii. The monomer(s) required for a given section of a polymer
molecule.
iii. The type of polymerisation.
Condensation Polymers
Condensation polymerisation is then joining of two
monomers, with the elimination of a small molecule e.g. H2O.
Polyesters are polymers that have monomers bonded via an
ester link i.e. that contained COOH and OH groups.
• e.g. Terylene & Poly(lactic acid).

Polyamides are polymers that have monomers bonded via an

amide link i.e. that contained COOH and NH2 groups.
• Nylon-6,6 & Kevlar.
Polyesters
There are two ways to form a polyester:
1. Two different monomers, 2. One monomer with –OH
a diol and a dicarboxylic acid. and –COOH groups.
e.g. Terylene e.g. Poly(lactic acid)
• Ethane-1,2-diol • 2-hydroxypropanoic acid.
• Benzene 1,4-dicarboxylic
acid

Draw the monomers for each and show the repeat unit for
the polymers they form.
Polyesters
Terylene

PLA
Polyester Questions
1. Draw the monomers needed for the following polymers:

2. Name the strongest type of intermolecular forces

between chains of the first polyester above.

3. Draw a diagram of two sections of adjacent polyester

chains, and show how these intermolecular forces arise.
Polyamides
There are two ways to form a polyamide:
1. Two different monomers, a 2. One monomer with –NH2
diamine and a dicarboxylic acid. and –COOH groups.
e.g. Nylon-6,6 e.g. amino acids.
• 1,6-diaminohexane
• Hexane-1,6-dioic acid
e.g. Kevlar
• Benzene-1,4-dioic acid
• Benzene-1,4-diamine Draw the monomers for
each and show the repeat
unit for the polymers they
form.
Polyamides
Nylon-6,6

Kevlar
Polyamide Questions
1. Identify the monomers in these polymer chains.

2. Systematically name the monomers in the first polymer.

3. You can make nylon by reacting H2N(CH2)6NH2 with

ClOC(CH2)4COCl.
Write an equation to show the polymerisation.
Polymer Hydrolysis
Polyesters can be hydrolysed by using either:
Conditions Hot Acidic Hot Alkaline
Reagents Aqueous HCl Aqueous NaOH
Products Alcohol Alcohol
Carboxylic Acid Carboxylate Salt
*Acidic conditions are much slower.

Polyamides can be hydrolysed by using either:

Conditions Hot Acidic Hot Alkaline
Reagents Aqueous HCl Aqueous NaOH
Products Ammonium Salt Amine
Carboxylic Acid Carboxylate Salt
Types of Polymer
Create a table/poster/mindmap that can be used to compare
the three types of polymer (polyalkene, polyester, polyamide).
Highlight:
• The functional groups involved.
• The type of polymerisation.
• The monomers required.
• Examples and possible uses.
• General equations.
Next Lesson
For next lesson read and make notes on:

Oxford: Pages 490-493 (Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation)

[Book 2: Pages 226-229]

Hodder Book 2: Pages 96-98

Pearson Book 2: Pages