CONDENSATION REACTION Meaning and
Definition
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A condensation reaction refers to a chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form a larger molecule or compound, accompanied by the elimination of a small molecule (such as water or alcohol). This reaction involves the linkage of monomers, often with the release of a byproduct, to form polymers. The process of condensation involves the formation of a covalent bond between the two reacting molecules, resulting in the elimination of a molecule, such as water or an alcohol, from the reactants.
In a condensation reaction, the molecular components involved often contain functional groups that are capable of undergoing a reaction. The reaction typically takes place when a nucleophilic group in one molecule reacts with an electrophilic group in another molecule, leading to the formation of a covalent bond. The released small molecule during this reaction, called the byproduct, is often a stable compound like water, ammonia, or an alcohol.
Condensation reactions play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including protein synthesis and DNA replication. Additionally, they are widely used in industrial processes to produce polymers, such as the formation of nylon from adipic acid and hexamethylene-diamine.
Overall, condensation reactions are a fundamental class of reactions that involve the combination of molecules with the loss of a small molecule, contributing to the formation of larger molecular structures and various chemical compounds.
Etymology of CONDENSATION REACTION
The word "condensation" originates from the Latin word "condensare", which means "to make dense" or "to make more compact". The Latin word is a combination of the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and "densare" meaning "to make dense".
In the context of chemistry, a condensation reaction refers to a chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form a larger molecule, usually accompanied by the elimination of a smaller molecule such as water. The term "condensation" is used to describe this process because it involves the condensing or compacting of molecules to form a new, more complex compound.
