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Chapter 15: Problem 39

Cite the primary differences between addition and condensation polymerization techniques.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The primary differences between addition and condensation polymerization include their reaction mechanisms, monomers, products, and properties of the resulting polymers. In addition polymerization, monomers react directly without the loss of side products, while condensation polymerization involves the release of small molecules as byproducts. Addition polymerization requires monomers with reactive double bonds or reactive groups, while condensation polymerization involves monomers with at least two reactive groups. Polymers formed through addition polymerization have a more regular structure and higher molecular weight, whereas those formed through condensation polymerization have a more irregular structure and lower molecular weight.

Step by step solution

01

Define Addition Polymerization

Addition polymerization, also known as chain-growth polymerization, involves the formation of a polymer by combining monomers without the loss of any side products. In this process, the monomers contain a double bond or another reactive group that opens up and forms covalent bonds with adjacent monomers, creating a long polymer chain.
02

Define Condensation Polymerization

Condensation polymerization, also known as step-growth polymerization, occurs when monomers react together to form a covalent bond and produce a small molecule as a byproduct, such as water, methanol, or hydrogen chloride. The monomers often contain two or more reactive groups, allowing for the formation of polymers through a stepwise process.
03

Compare Reaction Mechanisms

In addition polymerization, monomers react directly with each other to form the polymer. The reaction proceeds via initiation, propagation, and termination steps, where radicals or cations play a crucial role in the process. On the other hand, condensation polymerization involves the formation of stepwise covalent bonds between monomers and the release of a small molecule byproduct. This process includes the reaction between functional groups on the monomers, such as -OH and -COOH.
04

Compare Monomers

Addition polymerization requires monomers with reactive double bonds or reactive groups, such as styrene, ethylene, or acrylates. In contrast, condensation polymerization involves monomers with at least two reactive groups, often with bifunctional or trifunctional monomers like dicarboxylic acids, diols, or diamines.
05

Compare Products

Addition polymerization results in the formation of a polymer without generating any byproducts. Condensation polymerization, however, forms a polymer and releases a small molecule as a byproduct, such as water or methanol.
06

Compare Properties of Resulting Polymers

Polymers formed through addition polymerization tend to have a more regular structure and high molecular weight. They often have superior mechanical properties and higher density due to the lack of side products. In contrast, polymers formed through condensation polymerization have a more irregular structure and a lower molecular weight. Their properties depend on the monomers used and the reaction conditions, and they can range from thermosetting to thermoplastic materials.

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