Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry · Syllabus 0620 · Organic Chemistry
Condensation Polymerisation
What is Condensation Polymerisation?
The joining together of monomers each carrying two functional groups, in which a small molecule is removed every time a new linkage is formed, so that the polymer is not the only product.
This definition is part of the Organic Chemistry chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.
Common mistakes with Condensation Polymerisation
- “All polymerisation reactions release water.” Supplement 11.8.9 why it fails This over-generalises from condensation polymers to every polymer. correct Addition polymerisation releases nothing at all — the polymer is the only product. Condensation polymerisation releases a small molecule, and you can only say which one by looking at the functional groups actually being joined. Taught in Lesson 11.8D.