Monomers in Polykondensation

This page delves into the types of monomers used in polykondensation reactions and their characteristics.

Monomers in polykondensation are classified into two main types:

1. Bifunctional monomers: These form thermoplastic, linear polymers.
2. Trifunctional monomers: These create duroplasts (thermosets).

Vocabulary:

• Bifunctional monomers: Molecules with two reactive functional groups.
• Trifunctional monomers: Molecules with three reactive functional groups.

The page also introduces key functional groups involved in polykondensation reactions:

• Dicarboxylic acids
• Diols (with hydroxy groups)
• Diamines (with amino groups)

These functional groups play crucial roles in forming the backbone of various polymers through polykondensation reactions.

Polyesters: Formation and Mechanism

This section focuses on the formation of polyesters through polykondensation reactions, specifically the reaction between carboxyl and hydroxyl groups.

Definition: Polyesters are polymers with ester linkages in their main chain, formed by the polycondensation of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups.

The reaction mechanism involves:

1. Condensation of a carboxyl group from a dicarboxylic acid with a hydroxyl group from a diol.
2. Release of a water molecule as a byproduct.
3. Formation of an ester bond.

Example: The reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid to form an ester: R-OH + HOOC-R' → R-COO-R' + H₂O

This process repeats to form long chains of polyester molecules. The polykondensation mechanism for polyesters is crucial in understanding the formation of these important materials.

Polycarbonates: Applications

Polycarbonates, formed through polykondensation, have numerous applications due to their unique properties. This page highlights some key uses of polycarbonates in various industries.

Applications of polycarbonates include:

1. High-quality medical and precision mechanical devices
2. Safety helmets
3. CDs and DVDs
4. Household utensils

Highlight: The durability and optical clarity of polycarbonates make them ideal for applications ranging from safety equipment to data storage media.

These diverse applications demonstrate the importance of polycarbonates in modern technology and everyday life, underlining the significance of polykondensation in producing these versatile materials.