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QLDChemistryQuick questions
Unit 4: Structure, synthesis and design
Quick questions on Condensation polymers and biomolecules (QCE Chemistry Unit 4)
8short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is difference from addition polymerisation?Show answer
QCAA test items frequently ask you to classify a polymer or biopolymer as addition or condensation; the cleanest discriminator is whether a small molecule is eliminated.
What are polyesters?Show answer
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the polyester of ethane-1,2-diol (ethylene glycol) and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (terephthalic acid).
What are polyamides?Show answer
Nylon-6,6 is the polyamide of 1,6-diaminohexane (hexamethylenediamine) and hexanedioic acid (adipic acid). The "6,6" refers to the six carbons in each monomer.
What are biomolecules?Show answer
The same condensation chemistry assembles all three major biomolecules in the QCAA syllabus.
What is properties from condensation polymer structure?Show answer
Three main factors set bulk properties:
What is q1?Show answer
Draw the repeating unit of a polyester formed between ethane-1,2-diol and terephthalic acid (1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid). Identify the by-product. [3 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Compare addition and condensation polymerisation in terms of (a) monomer requirements and (b) presence of by-products. [3 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
A dipeptide is formed from glycine and alanine. (a) Draw the structure. (b) Identify the peptide bond.