CAIE IGCSE Chemistry: Addition vs Condensation Polymers Question Bank

Practise distinguishing addition and condensation polymerisation from structures, monomers, linkages and small molecules formed.

Exam points

state whether a polymer forms by addition or condensation from its structure or monomers
explain that condensation polymerisation releases a small molecule
distinguish alkene addition polymers from polyesters and polyamides in diagrams

[Maximum number: 1]

The chemical equation for the complete combustion of ethanol, $\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH}$ , is shown.

\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH}+3 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+3 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}

The energy released when one mole of ethanol undergoes complete combustion is 1280 kJ .
Part of the energy level diagram for this reaction is shown.

Ethane-1,2-diol has the following structure.

Ethane-1,2-diol can undergo condensation polymerisation but cannot undergo addition polymerisation.

Explain why ethane-1,2-diol cannot undergo addition polymerisation.

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