Monomers and polymers
Monomers are small, basic molecular units that serve as the building blocks for larger, more complex molecules known as polymers. Polymers are long chains of monomers covalently bonded together, and they can consist of repeating units of the same monomer or different types of monomers.
Condensation and hydrolysis
A condensation reaction, also known as a dehydration synthesis, is a chemical process in which two monomers combine to form a polymer. During this reaction, a covalent bond is established between the monomers, and a water molecule is released.
Hydrolysis is the reverse process of condensation, involving the breakdown of polymers into their monomer units through the addition of water. In a hydrolysis reaction, water is used to cleave the covalent bonds between monomers, resulting in the formation of smaller molecules.
