(A Level) Condensation polymers and degradable polymers

Learning objectives

Describe how polyesters form by condensation, either between a diol and a dicarboxylic acid or dioyl chloride (e.g. PET) or from a single hydroxycarboxylic acid (e.g. poly(lactic acid))

Describe how polyamides form by condensation between a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid or dioyl chloride (e.g. nylon-6,6), from an aminocarboxylic acid, or from amino acids to give proteins

Draw the repeat unit of a condensation polymer from one or two given monomers, and work back from a section of chain to the monomers used

Predict whether a monomer or pair of monomers gives an addition or a condensation polymer, and deduce the type of polymerisation from a section of a polymer

Explain why poly(alkene)s resist biodegradation, how some polymers are broken down by light, and why polyesters and polyamides are broken down by acidic or alkaline hydrolysis