Condensation polymerization

Condensation polymerization forms polymers by joining monomers or oligomers through reactions that release small molecules, commonly water, methanol, or hydrogen chloride.

Step-growth polymerization: A polymerization process in which molecules of any size react through complementary functional groups. Condensation polymerization commonly proceeds by successive reactions between functional groups on monomers and growing chains.
Monomer: A small molecule that can join with others to form a polymer. Condensation polymers are assembled from monomers bearing reactive functional groups.
Polyester: A polymer whose backbone contains ester linkages. Polyesters are commonly made by condensing diols with dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives.
Addition polymerization: Polymer formation by adding unsaturated monomers without eliminating a small molecule at each growth step. Unlike typical condensation polymerization, chain growth consumes double bonds without releasing a byproduct.
Polycondensation: A polymer-forming reaction in which coupling steps eliminate small molecules. This term describes the chain-forming chemistry that releases water or another small molecule.
Polymer: A substance made of molecules containing repeated structural units. The product is a polymer built from repeated units joined through condensation reactions.
Polyamide: A polymer whose backbone contains repeating amide linkages. Polyamides form when molecules with amine and carboxyl-derived groups join with byproduct release.
Chain-growth polymerization: Polymerization in which monomers add successively to an active chain end. Its active-center mechanism differs from the stepwise reactions among molecules in condensation processes.
Functional group: A set of atoms in a molecule that gives it characteristic chemical reactions. Complementary functional groups, such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, form the links between units.
Esterification: A reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid that forms an ester, often releasing water. Ester bonds connect many condensation polymers, including polyesters.

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