Cite the primary differences between addition and condensation polymerization techniques.

Addition polymerization, also known as chain growth polymerization, is a polymerization process in which unsaturated monomers (usually containing carbon-carbon double bonds) join together to form a long polymer chain. The process involves initiation, propagation, and termination stages.

Condensation polymerization, also known as step growth polymerization, is a polymerization process in which two different monomers with reactive functional groups react to form a covalent bond, releasing a small byproduct molecule such as water or methanol. The process occurs in a stepwise fashion, in which the polymer chain grows gradually by the successive addition of monomers.

In addition polymerization, the activation of an unsaturated monomer (usually containing a carbon-carbon double bond) occurs by a free radical, cationic, or anionic initiator. The reactive group (free-radical, cation, or anion) on the initiator reacts with the unsaturated monomer, forming a new reactive group at the end of the growing chain. The chain keeps growing as the new reactive group reacts with more unsaturated monomers.

In condensation polymerization, two different monomers containing reactive functional groups join together to form a covalent bond, releasing a small byproduct molecule such as water, methanol, or HCl in the process. The reaction is typically a nucleophilic attack which forms new covalent bonds between the functional groups, leading to the gradual growth of the polymer chain.

Addition polymerization typically involves unsaturated monomers with carbon-carbon double bonds, such as ethylene, styrene, or acrylates. In contrast, condensation polymerization involves monomers with reactive functional groups, such as esters, amides, or urethanes. These reactive groups are capable of reacting with other complementary functional groups to form covalent bonds and release byproduct molecules.

Addition polymerization is a byproduct-free process, as the unsaturated monomers simply join together to form the polymer chain. In contrast, condensation polymerization produces small byproduct molecules such as water, methanol, or HCl, which are eliminated during the formation of the polymer chain. To summarize, the primary differences between addition and condensation polymerization techniques are: 1. Mechanism: Addition polymerization involves the growth of a polymer chain through the reaction of unsaturated monomers, while condensation polymerization involves the reaction of monomers with reactive functional groups. 2. Monomers: Addition polymerization uses unsaturated monomers (with carbon-carbon double bonds), while condensation polymerization uses monomers with reactive functional groups. 3. Byproducts: Addition polymerization does not produce any byproducts, whereas condensation polymerization produces small byproduct molecules, such as water or methanol.