Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Polymerisation

Polymerisation — practice question

Many everyday materials have been substituted by a variety of polymers. This includes stiff polymers, such as those used in car bodies in place of steel, and flexible polymers, such as those used in textiles in place of cotton or wool.
(a(i))

To form a polymer, what is the smallest number of functional groups the monomer must have?

(a(ii))[2]

Show the structure of one possible monomer for your answer to (i).

(b(i))

State one distinction between addition and condensation polymerisation.

(b(ii))[2]

State a second distinction between addition and condensation polymerisation.

(c(i))

The two monomers react by condensation polymerisation. What other molecule is produced in this reaction?

(c(ii))

Draw one repeat unit of Terylene.

(c(iii))[4]

What name is given to polymers containing the same functional group as Terylene?

(d)[2]

The monomers ethene and but-1-ene can also co-polymerise to form a polyalkene, but this does not give a regular alternating structure like Terylene. Explain why this happens, and draw diagrams if you want.

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