# A sports clothing company is developing a new fabric using condensation polymerisation. The polymer chain contains amide links formed from monomers with two functional groups. Explain how the structure of the monomers and the nature of the reaction allow a long-chain polymer to form, and state what small molecule is released during the process.

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

> Condensation polymerisation is used to make many synthetic fibres used in the textile industry. Unlike addition polymerisation, condensation polymerisation involves monomers with two functional groups and produces a small molecule as a by-product.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Monomers must have two functional groups (one at each end)
2. Each monomer can bond to two other monomers / bonds form at both ends of each monomer
3. This allows the chain to grow in both directions / produces a long chain polymer
4. A small molecule is lost / released each time two monomers join
5. The small molecule released 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)
- [amide link](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amide-link)

## 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-sports-clothing-company-is-developing-1ed48670) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.