What type of polymerization reaction occurs when monomers containing reactive functional groups join together with the simultaneous elimination of small byproduct molecules like water or methanol?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Condensation polymerization involves step-growth reactions between bifunctional or polyfunctional monomers accompanied by the release of simple molecules such as water or hydrogen chloride. Addition polymerization occurs across double bonds without eliminating any byproduct molecules. Polyesters and polyamides are classic condensation polymers used extensively in synthetic fibers.