Question

Hi, in some texts number of water molecules released during polymerization is 2n but in others 2n-1 , why?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Because you only have one repeat unit, n=1. 2n-1 becomes 2(1)-1 which is equal to one, meaning one molecule of H2O is produced, as is shown by the top condensation polymerisation reaction.

If you had two repeat units, n=2 so 2n-1=3. Three H2O molecules are produced because you would need two molecules of each reactant so three condesation reactions would occur and three molecules of H2O would be released.