Question

What is the difference between condensation polymerization and addition polymerization?

Answer 1

Consider the following explanation.

Explanation:

`Addition` `Polymerization`

Addition Polymerization involves polymers which are formed by the combination of alkene monomers to produce a single huge molecule only.

Note:Nothing is eliminated, the monomers simply add up to each other.

Such reactions are catalyzed typically by peroxides and acids at a pressure of about `1000atm` where the temperature reaches to about `2000^oC`.
Typical examples are the formation of Polyethylene from Ethylene or the formation of PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) from Vinyl Chloride.

The reaction in the case of polyethylene comes out to be:
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`Condensation` `Polymerization`

Condensation Polymerization involves polymers which are formed by the combination of monomers with the elimination of simple molecules like `H_2O` or `NH_3`.

Typical examples of such polymers are Polyesters and Polyamides.
Nylon,6-6 is the most common polyamide which is obtained by heating hexamethylene diamine with adipic acid under `N_2` at `2000^oC`.

The reaction comes out to be:
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