O Levels Chemistry (5070)•5070/12/O/N/18

Explanation
Polylactic acid forms via condensation as a polyester
Steps:
- Identify polymerization type: Polylactic acid links lactic acid monomers, releasing water, characteristic of condensation polymerization.
- Confirm structure: Repeating units contain ester linkages (-COO-), defining it as a polyester.
- Rule out addition: No unsaturated monomers or chain growth without byproducts, so not addition polymerization.
- Rule out polyamide: Lacks amide linkages (-CONH-), present in polyamides like nylon.
Why C is correct:
- Polylactic acid is synthesized by condensation polymerization of hydroxy acids, forming ester bonds per the general polyester formula -[O-R-COO]-.
Why the others are wrong:
- A: Addition polymerization applies to alkenes, not this step-growth process.
- B: Polyamides require amine and carboxylic acid groups, absent here.
- D: It is a polyester, not a polyamide.
Final answer: C
Topic: Polymers
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