Final answer:
Monomers form polymers through polymerization processes such as dehydration synthesis, with water commonly released as a byproduct. The monomer needed resembles ethylene, which forms polymers through addition polymerization by opening its double bond and connecting with other monomers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to polymer chemistry, which is a branch of chemistry focused on the synthesis and study of polymers, large molecules composed of repeating subunits known as monomers. In particular, the student is asking about the type of reaction and monomer necessary to form a specific polymer, with the polymerization process often resulting in water as a byproduct.
A common type of polymerization reaction is dehydration synthesis (or condensation reaction), where two monomers combine to form a polymer and release a molecule of water. When the monomers have a double bond, such as with ethylene, they can also form polymers through addition polymerization, where monomers add to each other without the loss of any atoms.
Moreover, for a monomer like ethylene, the double bond opens and links to other monomers to form a polymer with a repeating structure derived from the original monomer. Polymers exhibit a wide range of properties and uses, can exist as addition polymers, condensation polymers, or copolymers, and are essential in applications spanning industries from packaging to electronics.