MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
SECONDARY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
GRADE 11
CHEMISTRY
WEEK 10 LESSON 2
Topic: Macromolecules
Sub-topic: Classification of Polymers – Addition and Condensation Polymerization
Objective: Given the information, students will describe condensation and addition
polymerization reactions citing examples.
Content
Classification based on the mode of polymerization
Polymers generally form either from an addition reaction or a condensation reaction.
An addition polymer is a polymer formed by chain addition reactions between monomers that
contain a double bond. Molecules of ethene can polymerize with each other under the right
conditions to form the polymer called polyethylene.
Addition polymers:
These types of polymers are formed by the repeated addition of monomer molecules. The polymer
is formed by the polymerization of monomers with double or triple bonds (unsaturated compounds).
Note, in this process, there is no elimination of small molecules like water or alcohol etc (no by-
product of the process). Addition polymers always have their empirical formulas the same as their
monomers. Example: ethene n(CH2=CH2) to polyethene -(CH2-CH2)n-.
Note: The addition occurs across the double bond.
ii) Condensation polymers:
These polymers are formed by the combination of monomers, with the elimination of small
molecules like water, alcohol, etc. The monomers in these types of condensation reactions are bi-
functional or tri-functional. A common example is the polymerization of polyester where molecules
of water are eliminated in the process.
References
1. https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/polymers/classification-of-polymers/
2. https://slideplayer.com/slide/6019693/
3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z3v4xfr/revision/6