Why is polymerization a type of addition reaction?

1 Answer
Dec 14, 2016

Not all polymerisation is addition, some is condensation. Only the polymerisation of alkene is considered as addition.

Explanation:

The definition of an addition reaction is that two reactants form one single product with no other reactants. Also, in addition reactions, a double covalent bond is broken.

In this case, the #"C"="C"# bond is broken, and a single long polymer is formed from the reactants.