A condensation reaction joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond and involves the elimination of a molecule of water
A condensation reaction joins two molecules by forming a new chemical bond. It always releases one molecule of water as a by-product.
Formula
Molecule A–OH + H–Molecule B → Molecule A–B + H₂O
Real World
Every time your body builds a protein — such as insulin produced by the pancreas — condensation reactions link amino acids one by one, releasing a water molecule at each step until the full hormone chain is assembled.
Exam Focus
Always state both products: a new bond formed AND a water molecule released — omitting either loses the mark.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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