# Terylene is a synthetic polymer made by condensation polymerisation. It is used to make clothing and plastic bottles. Explain why Terylene is described as a condensation polymer, and state one property of the monomers that makes condensation polymerisation possible.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 4.8 Synthetic polymers · Explain · 4 marks

> Terylene (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) is a widely used synthetic polymer formed from two different monomers. During its manufacture, a small molecule is also produced as a by-product.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Monomers join together and lose / release a small molecule during the reaction
2. The small molecule lost is water (or other valid small molecule e.g. HCl)
3. Each monomer must have two functional groups
4. Having two functional groups allows each monomer to bond to two other monomers, forming a long chain polymer

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/terylene-is-a-synthetic-polymer-made-3a0725a8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.