# Nylon is a condensation polymer made from two different monomers. Explain how condensation polymerisation produces nylon, including the role of the functional groups on the monomers and what is produced alongside the polymer chain.

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

> Nylon is a widely used synthetic polymer found in clothing, ropes and toothbrush bristles. It is formed by condensation polymerisation from monomers that each contain two functional groups.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Monomers join together to form a long polymer chain
2. Each monomer has two functional groups
3. The functional groups on different monomers react with each other to form bonds
4. A small molecule is lost / released during the reaction
5. Unlike addition polymerisation, the monomer molecules are not all identical / two different types of monomer are used

## 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 chain](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polymer-chain)

## 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/nylon-is-a-condensation-polymer-made-282e1b9c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.