polycondensation

9.9

A process that joins small molecules into long chains while releasing water

noun
/ˌpɒliˌkɒndənˈseɪʃən/

Specialized

: policondensación

During polycondensation, small molecules like water or methanol are released as byproducts.

Examples

Nylon is produced through a polycondensation reaction involving the elimination of water.
The polycondensation process is essential in manufacturing many synthetic fibers and plastics.
The process of polycondensation is vital in creating strong materials.
Polycondensation is fascinating!
Nylon is produced through a polycondensation reaction involving the elimination of water.
The polycondensation process is essential in manufacturing many synthetic fibers and plastics.
During polycondensation, small molecules like water or methanol are released as byproducts.

Synonyms

polymerization

vspolycondensation

Specialized

1 8.6

A process that joins many small molecules into one long molecule like plastic

involves elimination of small molecules like water during joining

copolymerization

vspolycondensation

Specialized

1 8.2

A chemical process that joins two or more different small molecules to make a long plastic chain

focuses on joining with small molecule elimination rather than monomer variety

Surface Forms

polycondensation singular

polycondensations plural

Morphology

polycondensation = condensation (semi-transparent) = poly + condens + ation

The word is built transparently from poly- plus condensation, but the chemical specialization makes it less immediately guessable for an average learner.

Etymology

Polycondensation combines poly- meaning 'many', as in polygon, and condensation from a root meaning 'to bring together' or 'make thicker'. So polycondensation describes a process where many small units join together and small molecules like water are released.