Difference Between Addition and Condensation Polymerization

Addition Polymerization is a process, monomer that must have either a double bond or triple bond. while What is Polymerization? Condensation polymerization is a process that involves repeated condensation reactions between two different bi-functional or tri-functional monomers. in condensation polymerization, by-products such as ammonia, H₂O, and HCl are produced. the basic Difference Between Addition and Condensation Polymerization is that addition Polymerization produces no by-products. the molecular weight of the resultant polymers is a multiple of the monomer’s molecular weight. on the other hand condensation polymerization is the condensation of monomers that results in polymers such as by-products ammonia, water, and HCl are produced.

Difference Between Addition and Condensation Polymerization in tabular Form

Addition Polymerization	Condensation Polymerization
the Monomers that are formed due to the double or triple bond results due to the addition polymerization.	those monomers that have two different or similar functional groups are formed due to the condensation polymerization.
these types of monomers do not Produce by-products.	these type of monomers produces by-products such as ammonia, water, and HCl, etc.
the addition of monomers will always result in polymers.	Condensation of monomers also results in polymers
the molecular weight of resultant polymers will be the result of multiple participating monomer’s molecular weight.	the molecular weight of resultant polymers will not be multiple of participating monomer’s molecular weight.
in this process, different catalysts are used as catalysts like Lewis bases, Lewis acids, and radical initiators, etc.	there are also some catalysts used in this process.
polyvinyl chloride, PVC, polyethylene, Teflon, etc. are common examples of such polymers.	polyesters, polyamides, nylon, bakelite, silicone, etc. are some common examples of such polymers.

Overview – Addition and Condensation Polymerization

for additional polymerization, it is necessary that monomers must be in an unsaturated condition. on the other hand, if the molecules are in the form of saturated monomers, it is called condensation polymerization. both are two main processes for obtaining a compound polymer. a list of differences lies between the two e.g. monomers must contain unsaturated molecules for adition and saturated for condensation.

What is Addition Polymerization?

addition polymerization means no other small molecules are made when two monomers react with each other by synthesizing additive polymers. the polymerization of ethylene is a good example of that process where the long chain of polymers is formed when double bonds are broken and then bonded together again. it is mainly known as radical polymerization. hence, the no. of polymers are merged or combined to make a single polymer.

this chain reaction can be of three types:

Dedication
Spreading
Termination

the following process can be occurred in many ways i.e., free-radical polymerization, cationic polymerization, anionic polymerization, and coordination polymerization.

What is Condensation Polymerization?

Condensation polymerization is a reverse process that contains low molecular weight products like water. e.g. ethylene glycol reacts with terephthalate and forms polyethylene terephthalate polymer. as a result, water is produced. in other words, two molecules are condensed with each other to form a polymer.

Concentrated sulfuric acid is used to increase the speed of this reaction. this type of separation is considered too simple as compared to the above. polyester, polyamide, and polycarbonate by using peptide bond or an ether bond are common examples of the following type of polymerization.

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