What is another name for a condensation reaction?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Another name for a condensation reaction is a dehydration synthesis reaction.
Explanation:
A condensation reaction is a chemical process in which two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, accompanied by the removal of a smaller molecule such as water (H₂O), hydrogen chloride (HCl), or methanol (CH₃OH). The term “dehydration synthesis” specifically refers to condensation reactions where water is the byproduct.
This reaction occurs commonly in biological and chemical processes. For example:
- In biology, dehydration synthesis is fundamental in forming macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. For instance:
- In carbohydrates, two monosaccharides (e.g., glucose and fructose) combine to form a disaccharide (e.g., sucrose), releasing water.
- In proteins, amino acids join to form peptide bonds, producing water during the process.
- In organic chemistry, condensation reactions are used to create esters, amides, and other compounds.
Mechanism:
In a dehydration synthesis reaction:
- Functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl (-OH) or amine (-NH₂)) from the reacting molecules interact.
- A covalent bond forms between the molecules.
- A molecule of water is removed as a byproduct.
Importance:
- Biochemical Significance: Dehydration synthesis is essential for life, as it helps build complex molecules necessary for structure and function, such as DNA, RNA, and enzymes.
- Industrial Applications: It is used in polymer synthesis, where monomers combine to form plastics and synthetic materials.
In contrast, the reverse of dehydration synthesis is hydrolysis, where water is added to break the bond, splitting the molecule into its components. Together, these reactions maintain the dynamic balance of synthesis and breakdown in both biological and chemical systems.