# A food packaging company is researching the use of condensation polymers to create biodegradable films. The monomers used each contain two functional groups. Explain how the structure of the monomers and the conditions of condensation polymerisation result in the formation of a long-chain polymer, and state what type of small molecule is lost during this process.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry A (H432) — 6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and synthesis · Explain · 5 marks

> Condensation polymerisation is used in the production of a range of materials, including biodegradable packaging. Unlike addition polymerisation, condensation polymerisation involves monomers that each possess two functional groups, and small molecules are released as the polymer chain grows.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Each monomer has two functional groups
2. The two functional groups allow each monomer to bond to two other monomers / bond at both ends
3. Many monomers join together / repeat units form a long chain polymer
4. A small molecule is lost / eliminated each time two monomers join
5. The small molecule lost is water

## Key terms

- [condensation polymerisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/condensation-polymerisation)
- [monomers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomers)
- [functional groups](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/functional-groups)
- [polymer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polymer)
- [small molecule](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/small-molecule)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry A (H432)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-food-packaging-company-is-researching-e978198d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.