Question

Write a balanced chemical equation for the formation of a polymer via a condensation reaction from the monomers succinic acid \(\left(\mathrm{HOOCCH} \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{COOH}\right)\) and ethylenediamine \(\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{NCH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\right)\).

Short answer

The balanced chemical equation for the formation of a polymer via a condensation reaction from the monomers succinic acid and ethylenediamine is: \(\mathrm{HOOCCH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{COOH} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{NCH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2 \mathrm{NH}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{NHCO(CH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{CO)}_{n}\mathrm{NH}_2 + \left ( n-1 \right ) \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the functional groups of the monomers

First, let's identify the functional groups in each monomer. Succinic acid has two carboxyl groups (-COOH) and Ethylenediamine has two amine groups (-NH2). These functional groups will participate in the condensation reaction.

Show the condensation reaction between the monomers

In the condensation reaction, one molecule of water is removed as a carboxyl group of succinic acid reacts with one amine group of ethylenediamine, resulting in the formation of an amide bond. The amide bond forms when the hydroxyl (-OH) group of the carboxyl group and a hydrogen atom (-H) from the amine group are removed, creating the water molecule.

Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction

Now let's write the balanced chemical equation for the formation of a polymer via a condensation reaction from the monomers succinic acid and ethylenediamine: \[\mathrm{HOOCCH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{COOH} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{NCH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2 \mathrm{NH}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{NHCO(CH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{CO)}_{n}\mathrm{NH}_2 + \left ( n-1 \right ) \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\] In this equation, '\(n\)' stands for the number of repeating units formed during the polymerization process. The subscript 'n' denotes that the amide bond formed (-NHCO-) and the repeating units (-CH2CH2CO-) are repeated 'n' times in the polymer. The subscript 'n-1' represents the number of water molecules released during the reaction - one less than the number of repeating units in the polymer. The final balanced chemical equation for the formation of a polymer via a condensation reaction from the monomers succinic acid and ethylenediamine is as follows: \(\mathrm{HOOCCH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{COOH} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{NCH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2 \mathrm{NH}_2 \rightarrow \mathrm{NHCO(CH}_2\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{CO)}_{n}\mathrm{NH}_2 + \left ( n-1 \right ) \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\)

Key concepts

chemical equation

A chemical equation is a mathematical representation of a chemical reaction. It shows the reactants that enter the reaction and the products that are formed. In the context of a condensation reaction, a key aspect is the proper balance of both sides of the equation, meaning the same number of each type of atom must appear on both sides. This ensures the law of conservation of mass is respected, meaning no mass is lost or gained in the reaction. Also, in condensation reactions, as seen with succinic acid and ethylenediamine, water molecules are often produced as a byproduct. Clearly writing and balancing the equation ensures clear understanding of the molecular interchange occurring during the reaction.

succinic acid

Succinic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid represented chemically as \( ext{HOOC(CH}_2 ext{)_2COOH}\). It has two carboxyl groups (-COOH), which are crucial in condensation reactions. These groups react with amines to form amide bonds. Succinic acid's ability to donate and accept electrons makes it highly reactive, allowing it to easily engage in polymerization processes, especially when paired with molecules like ethylenediamine. Its chain-like structure within polymers contributes to their strength and flexibility.

ethylenediamine

Ethylenediamine is a simple aliphatic diamine, denoted as \( ext{H}_2 ext{NCH}_2 ext{CH}_2 ext{NH}_2\). It contains two amine groups (-NH2), which can engage in reactions with carboxyl groups to form amide bonds. This compound is significant in forming polymers through condensation reactions, as it contributes to the creation of strong, repeating amide linkages. Ethylenediamine acts as a bridge connecting two carboxylic ends from succinic acid, leading to the growth of polymer chains with repeating units. Its role is essential in constructing polymer backbones.

polymerization

Polymerization is the process where small molecules, called monomers, join together to form large chains or networks known as polymers. In the case of succinic acid and ethylenediamine, polymerization occurs through a series of condensation reactions. Each reaction forms a new amide bond and releases a water molecule as a byproduct.

• During polymerization, the repeating units and amide links grow, forming a long molecular chain or potentially a complex net of structures.
• This process is crucial in manufacturing materials like plastics, synthetic fibers, and resins, utilizing the intrinsic properties of base monomers to create new material properties.
• In our specific reaction, energy and conditions such as heat may help speed up the polymerization process.

amide bond

Amide bonds are a type of covalent bond formed between an amine and a carboxylic acid group. This bond formation is central to biological and synthetic polymers, like proteins and nylon, respectively. In the condensation reaction between succinic acid and ethylenediamine, amide bonds are the linkages that knit the polymer strands together.
The process begins when an amine group reacts with a carboxyl group's hydroxyl group, releasing a water molecule and creating a stable amide linkage. This bond is characterized by the sequence -NHCO- and is incredibly resilient, contributing to the durability and flexibility of the polymer. Understanding how amide bonds form and their role in polymer chains is key in fields ranging from materials science to biochemistry.