Consider the condensation polymer formed by the reaction of terephthalic acid (benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid) and ethylene glycol. Which of the following statements about this polymer is INCORRECT?
Correct: D
The polymer formed by the condensation reaction of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol is Poly(ethylene terephthalate), commonly known as PET, Dacron, or Terylene. It is indeed a polyester, characterized by the ester linkages formed between the dicarboxylic acid and the diol. Polyesters are known for their high tensile strength and are widely used in fibers (textiles, tire cords) and bottles. However, condensation polymerization is defined by the formation of a polymer with the simultaneous loss of small molecules like water, methanol, or HCl. Therefore, it is a condensation polymerization, not an addition polymerization. Addition polymerization involves the direct addition of monomers without the loss of any small molecules.