Differentiate between addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation and give an example of each.

Differentiate between addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation and give an example of each.

• A. Addition polymerisation joins monomers with C=C bonds to form polymer with no by-product (polyethylene); condensation polymerisation forms polymers with the loss of a small molecule (e.g., water) and examples include polyesters.
• B. Addition polymerisation produces by-products; condensation has no by-products; example nylon from condensation.
• C. Both types form polymers with by-products; no example given.
• D. Condensation polymerisation uses double bonds; addition uses carboxylic groups.

Answer: (A)

The difference rests on how monomers join and what is released during the process. In addition polymerisation, monomers that have a carbon–carbon double bond (a C=C) join together in a chain without losing any atoms from the monomers, so no small molecule is released. This gives polymers like polyethylene, made from ethene. In condensation polymerisation, each linkage forms while a small molecule is expelled—often water—so the polymer builds up and a by-product is produced. A common example is a polyester such as PET, made from a diol and a dicarboxylic acid, which releases water. Nylon is another well-known condensation polymer. The other statements mix up these ideas: addition polymerisation does not produce by-products, and condensation reactions do involve a by-product; condensation polymers don’t rely on double bonds, and addition polymers don’t require carboxylic groups.

The difference rests on how monomers join and what is released during the process. In addition polymerisation, monomers that have a carbon–carbon double bond (a C=C) join together in a chain without losing any atoms from the monomers, so no small molecule is released. This gives polymers like polyethylene, made from ethene. In condensation polymerisation, each linkage forms while a small molecule is expelled—often water—so the polymer builds up and a by-product is produced. A common example is a polyester such as PET, made from a diol and a dicarboxylic acid, which releases water. Nylon is another well-known condensation polymer. The other statements mix up these ideas: addition polymerisation does not produce by-products, and condensation reactions do involve a by-product; condensation polymers don’t rely on double bonds, and addition polymers don’t require carboxylic groups.