Forming Condensation Polymers Questions

Condensation Polymers

Worksheet
1. For the following reactants, write an equation using skeletal formulae, that shows the formation of the polymer. Under the polymer, write the type of condensation polymer that has been made.
a) Ethane-1,2-diol and ethanedioic acid
Answer Reaction of Ethane-1,2-diol and ethanedioic acid

Type: Polyester

Note: The software I use to make the formulae struggled a bit with the skeletal formulae here. There should not be carbons visible in the product as it implies that there are no hydrogens bonded to them.
b) 3-amino-2-methylpropanoic acid
Answer Polymerisation of 3-amino-2-methylpropanoic acid

Type: Polyamide

c) 1,4-dihydroxybenzene and methylpropanedioic acid
Answer Reaction of 1,4-hydroxybenzene and methylpropanedioic acid

Type: Polyester

d) chloropropanedioic acid and 1,4-diaminobenzene
Answer Reaction of 3-chloropropanedioic acid and 1,4-diaminobenzene

Type: Polyamide

2. For the following polymers, draw the skeletal formulae of the reactants and name them.
Polymer 2a
Answer Reactants for Polymer 2a
Note: An acyl chloride could have been used instead of the carboxylic acid.
Polymer 2b
Answer Reactants for Polymer 2b
Note: An acyl chloride could have been used instead of the carboxylic acid.
Polymer 2c
Answer Reactants for Polymer 2c
Note: An acyl chloride could have been used instead of the carboxylic acid.
Polymer 2d
Answer Reactants for Polymer 2d
Note: An acyl chloride could have been used instead of the carboxylic acid.
3. Using the following reactants and products, draw the other reactant.
Reaction Scheme 3a
Answer Missing Reactant for 3a
Reaction Scheme 3b
Answer Missing Reactant for 3b
Note: An acyl chloride could have been used instead of the carboxylic acid.
4. Some condensation polymers can be made from a single monomer. One such example is a polymer made from 2-phenyl-3-aminopropanoic acid.
a) Draw the skeletal formula for 2-phenyl-3-aminopropanoic acid.
Answer 2-phenyl-3-aminopropanoic acid
b) Draw the polymer that is formed from the polymerisation of this monomer.
Answer Polymer formed from 2-phenyl-3-aminopropanoic acid
c) Sometimes, this monomer can form a different product instead of the polymer. The product contains 18 carbon atoms. Draw the skeletal formula of the product.
Answer Cyclic dimer product
5. For A-level chemistry, you have to know some specific examples of polymers.
a) Kevlar is made from two monomers: 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid 1,4-diaminobenzene. Draw the repeat unit of Kevlar and state the type of condensation polymer it is.
Answer Kevlar repeat unit

Type: Polyamide

b) Terylene is made from two monomers: 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic and ethane-1,2-diol. Draw the repeat unit of terylene and state which type of condensation polymer it is.
Answer Terylene repeat unit

Type: Polyester

Note: The software I use to make the formulae struggled a bit with the skeletal formulae here. There should not be carbons visible in the product as it implies that there are no hydrogens bonded to them.
c) Nylon 6,6 is made from 1,6-diaminohexane and Hexane-1,6-dioic acid. Draw the repeat unit of Nylon 6,6 and state which type of condensation polymer it is.
Answer Nylon 6,6 repeat unit

Type: Polyamide