During condensation polymerization, which byproduct is typically released?

• A. Water is never produced in polymerization.
• B. Oxygen is the typical byproduct.
• C. Water is a typical byproduct released during condensation polymerization.
• D. No byproducts are produced in condensation polymerization.

Answer: (C)

In condensation polymerization, bonds form between monomers with the loss of a small molecule. The most common small molecule is water, released when a carboxyl group reacts with a hydroxyl (to form an ester) or with an amine (to form an amide). This is why many polymers, like PET, are made by such condensations and release water in the process. This contrasts with addition polymerization, where monomers add on without ejecting any small molecules, so no byproduct is produced. Oxygen would not be the typical byproduct in this type of reaction, and saying no byproducts are produced is incorrect.