What is produced as a by-product in condensation polymerization?

In condensation polymerization, a key reaction occurs where monomers unite to form a polymer through the formation of covalent bonds while simultaneously releasing small molecules as by-products. The most common by-product produced during this process is water. This occurs, for example, when carboxylic acids react with alcohols to form esters, a reaction often referred to as esterification. In this situation, each time an ester bond is formed, a water molecule is released.

The formation of water as a by-product is characteristic of many condensation reactions, making its presence integral in understanding how polymers are synthesized through this method. Thus, recognizing water as the by-product not only aligns with the principles of polymer chemistry but also illustrates the mechanisms by which condensation polymerization operates.