Question

Identify the condensation polymers from the following
A. PHBV
B. Buna-N
C. Neoprene
D. Nylon-6
E. Glyptal

• A. A, B, D
• B. B, C, D
• C. B, C, E
• D. A, D, E

Hint:

Identify condensation polymers by looking for polymers formed with the elimination of small molecules (like water) during the joining of monomer units. Addition polymers, on the other hand, are formed by the direct addition of monomers without the loss of atoms. Ring-opening polymerization, as in the case of Nylon-6, is often considered a type of condensation polymerization in a broader sense.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Condensation polymers are formed by the joining of monomer units with the elimination of small molecules such as water, alcohol, or carbon dioxide.
Let's examine the formation of each polymer: A.
**PHBV (Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate):** PHBV is a biodegradable polyester formed by the condensation polymerization of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid, with the elimination of water molecules.
Thus, PHBV is a condensation polymer.
B.
**Buna-N (Styrene-butadiene rubber):** Buna-N is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile formed by addition polymerization (a type of chain polymerization) where monomers add to each other without the loss of any atoms.
Thus, Buna-N is not a condensation polymer.
C.
**Neoprene (Polychloroprene):** Neoprene is formed by the addition polymerization of chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene).
The monomers add directly without the elimination of small molecules.
Thus, Neoprene is not a condensation polymer.
D.
**Nylon-6:** Nylon-6 is a polyamide formed by the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam.
This polymerization involves the breaking of the cyclic amide bond and subsequent addition, which can be considered a type of condensation polymerization where the cyclic monomer effectively "condenses" into a linear polymer without the elimination of a separate small molecule after the initial ring opening.
E.
**Glyptal (Polyester):** Glyptal is a copolymer formed by the condensation reaction between phthalic acid and ethylene glycol (or glycerol), with the elimination of water molecules.
Thus, Glyptal is a condensation polymer.
Based on the above analysis, PHBV (A), Nylon-6 (D), and Glyptal (E) are condensation polymers.