Predicting the type of polymerisation
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What type of polymerisation reaction would you expect for a monomer containing a carbon-carbon double bond?
A carbon-carbon double bond indicates the monomer will undergo addition polymerisation. The double bond breaks, allowing the monomers to join together directly to form a long chain.
What is the key difference in byproducts formed between addition and condensation polymerisation?
Addition polymerisation produces no other products besides the polymer itself. Condensation polymerisation forms a small molecule byproduct, such as water or HCl, along with the polymer.
What functional groups must be present in monomers for condensation polymerisation to occur?
Condensation polymerisation requires monomers with two functional groups that can react to form a new bond. Common examples include -OH (alcohol/carboxylic acid) and -NH₂ (amine) groups.
Given a polymer backbone containing ester linkages (-COO-), what type of polymerisation reaction produced it?
Ester linkages are formed via condensation polymerisation, specifically esterification. This reaction requires a carboxylic acid and an alcohol monomer.
How does the empirical formula of the monomer compare to the repeating unit of the polymer in addition polymerisation?
The empirical formula of the monomer is the same as that of the repeating unit within the polymer in addition polymerisation, because no atoms are lost during the reaction.
A polymer contains amide linkages (-NHCO-). What type of monomers were used in its formation?
Amide linkages are formed from condensation polymerisation reactions between a carboxylic acid and an amine. The resulting polymer is a polyamide.
What type of polymerisation is used to create polyethylene from ethene?
Polyethylene is created via addition polymerisation of ethene (C₂H₄). The double bond in ethene breaks, allowing the monomers to join and form the polymer chain.
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