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CHEM 121 Studioby Learn4Less · UBC CHEM 121

CHEM 121 glossary

Polyester

A condensation polymer whose repeat units are joined by ester links, –CO–O–, formed from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol with loss of water. Water can split these links again (hydrolysis).

Highlighted atoms (shaded band)

Ethyl acetate shows the ester link a polyester repeats along its chain.

Example

PET (recycling code 1, drink bottles and fibres) is made from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid; its repeat unit is CX10HX8OX4\ce{C10H8O4} (192.17 g/mol).