Let's see how organic compounds link up to become polymers in A-Level Chemistry!
Addition polymers
Polymers are very large molecules build up from small monomers. Addition polymers are made from a monomer or monomers with a C=C double bond.
For example, alkenes form polyalkenes.
Condensation polymers
A condensation polymer is formed when two monomers react in a condesation reaction which eliminates a small molecule, usually water or hydrogen chloride, resulting in the new bond forming.
Proteins are made up of sequence of amino acids joined by peptide links. These areformed via a condensation reaction which results in the loss of a water molecule.
Polyamides such as Nylon-6,6 and Kevlar are made when a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diamine.
Polyesters such as Terylene is made from a diol and a dicarboxylic acid.
Some natural condensation polymers are: silk, starch, DNA.
Drafted by Eunice (Chemistry)
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/addition-polymers-a-level-ocr-11753872
http://www.passmyexams.co.uk/GCSE/chemistry/condensation-polymerisation.html