# Nylon is a condensation polymer made from two different monomers. Explain how condensation polymerisation differs from addition polymerisation, and describe two features of the monomers required to form a condensation polymer such as nylon.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433) — 6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and synthesis · Explain · 5 marks

> Nylon is a synthetic polymer widely used in clothing and engineering components. It is produced by condensation polymerisation.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. In condensation polymerisation, a small molecule (such as water) is lost/released when monomers join together
2. In addition polymerisation, no small molecule is lost / all atoms from the monomers are incorporated into the polymer
3. Addition polymerisation uses monomers with a carbon–carbon double bond (alkenes / unsaturated monomers)
4. Condensation polymerisation requires monomers that each have two functional groups
5. Two different types of monomer are used (e.g. a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid) so that linking at both ends builds the long chain

## Key terms

- [condensation polymerisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/condensation-polymerisation)
- [addition polymerisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/addition-polymerisation)
- [monomers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomers)
- [polymer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polymer)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433)](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-5aa4aab5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.