Biology – Carbohydrates and lipids | e-Consult

Condensation polymerization is a process where monomers combine to form a polymer, with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water (H₂O) or methanol (CH₃OH).

The process involves the formation of covalent bonds between the monomers. Typically, this occurs when a functional group on one monomer reacts with a functional group on another monomer. For example, in the formation of polyester, a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) on one monomer reacts with a hydroxyl group (-OH) on another monomer. This reaction forms an ester linkage (-COO-) and releases water as a byproduct.

The key is that the formation of the covalent bond between the monomers is accompanied by the removal of a small molecule. This is what distinguishes condensation polymerization from addition polymerization.

A common example of a polymer formed by condensation polymerization is polyester. Polyesters are used in textiles (e.g., polyester clothing), bottles (e.g., plastic water bottles), and films. Another example is nylon, which is formed from the condensation reaction between a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid.