Kondenseerimispolümerisatsioonile

Kondenseerimispolümerisatsioonile is a chemical process where monomers react to form a polymer with the simultaneous release of a small molecule, such as water, methanol, or hydrogen chloride. This is in contrast to addition polymerization, where monomers add to one another without the loss of any atoms. The reaction typically involves functional groups on the monomers, such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), or amino (-NH2) groups, which react with each other to form a new covalent bond and a byproduct molecule.

The reaction can be catalyzed by acids or bases, and the rate of polymerization depends on factors such as temperature, reactant concentration, and the presence of a catalyst. Common examples of polymers formed through condensation polymerization include polyesters, polyamides (like nylon), and polycarbonates. These polymers have a wide range of applications, from textiles and plastics to engineering materials and adhesives. The repeating unit in a condensation polymer is derived from the monomer but is smaller by the mass of the eliminated small molecule. This characteristic is key to distinguishing it from addition polymerization, where the empirical formula of the repeating unit is the same as that of the monomer.