Compare the acid strengths of ethanol, ethanoic acid, chloroethanoic acid and phenol. Explain the basis for your order.
An excess of ethanedioic acid, $\text{HOOC-COOH(aq)}$, is mixed with warm acidified $\text{KMnO}_4\text{(aq)}$. State the type of reaction undergone by ethanedioic acid. Describe what you would observe. Write an equation for this reaction. Your equation may use $[\text{O}]$ or $[\text{H}]$ where appropriate.
A section of a polyester is shown. Draw the structures of the two monomers from which this polyester is made.
Serine can polymerise to form two different types of condensation polymer; a polyester and a polypeptide. Draw the structure of the polypeptide with two repeat units. Show the peptide linkage displayed.
Explain why condensation polymers usually biodegrade more readily than addition polymers.