In condensation (step-growth) polymerization, the functionality of a monomer determines the topology — Polymers Chemistry Question
Question
In condensation (step-growth) polymerization, the functionality of a monomer determines the topology of the resulting polymer. What is the functionality of pentaerythritol, $C(CH_2OH)_4$, in an esterification polymerization with a dicarboxylic acid?
Answer: 4
💡 Solution & Explanation
Functionality is defined as the number of reactive sites available for bonding. Pentaerythritol has four primary hydroxyl ($-OH$) groups attached to the central carbon via methylene groups, meaning it can form four ester linkages. Thus, its functionality is 4.
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