Which term describes a polymerization in which a small molecule is produced during the reaction, such as water?

Which term describes a polymerization in which a small molecule is produced during the reaction, such as water?

• A. Hydration polymerization
• B. Condensation polymerization
• C. Addition polymerization
• D. Ionization polymerization

Answer: (C)

In condensation polymerization, small molecules are released as the polymer chains form. Each time two monomer units join, a molecule like water (or methanol, for example) is eliminated, and the remaining pieces link to grow the polymer. This byproduct release is the defining feature that sets condensation polymerization apart from other modes of polymer growth. Think of how a polyester forms from a diol and a diacid: every bond that links monomers results in the loss of a water molecule, and long chains build up through many such steps. That elimination of a small molecule with each linkage is what you look for to identify this type. Other terms aren’t describing that same process. Hydration-related wording isn’t typically used to describe this polymerization mode, and addition polymerization proceeds without losing any small molecule—monomers add across double bonds but nothing is expelled. Ionization polymerization involves initiation by ions and chain growth without a byproduct release. So the defining feature is the production of a small molecule like water during the reaction, which is characteristic of condensation polymerization.

In condensation polymerization, small molecules are released as the polymer chains form. Each time two monomer units join, a molecule like water (or methanol, for example) is eliminated, and the remaining pieces link to grow the polymer. This byproduct release is the defining feature that sets condensation polymerization apart from other modes of polymer growth.

Think of how a polyester forms from a diol and a diacid: every bond that links monomers results in the loss of a water molecule, and long chains build up through many such steps. That elimination of a small molecule with each linkage is what you look for to identify this type.

Other terms aren’t describing that same process. Hydration-related wording isn’t typically used to describe this polymerization mode, and addition polymerization proceeds without losing any small molecule—monomers add across double bonds but nothing is expelled. Ionization polymerization involves initiation by ions and chain growth without a byproduct release. So the defining feature is the production of a small molecule like water during the reaction, which is characteristic of condensation polymerization.