Answer: Small molecules like water or HCl.
- A Small molecules like water or HCl
- B Oxygen gas released during the linking step
- C Carbon dioxide released during esterification
- D No byproduct at all, unlike step-growth systems
Correct answer: A. Small molecules like water or HCl
Explanation: Condensation polymerisation releases small molecules (water, methanol, HCl) as each bond forms.
Addition polymerisation simply links monomers containing a double bond with nothing left over, while condensation polymerisation joins two different monomers through a reaction (often forming an ester or amide bond) that releases a small molecule like water at each step.
Concept context
Large molecules made of repeating monomer units. Covers addition and condensation polymerisation, natural and synthetic polymers (nylon, PVC, Bakelite, natural rubber), and their real-world industrial applications.