PolymersmediumNUMERICAL

In condensation (step-growth) polymerization, the functionality of a monomer determines the topologyPolymers 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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