Disposable cups can be made from paper or poly(but-1-ene).
Below is the structure of the repeating unit of poly(but-1-ene):
Which small molecule is used to produce poly(but-1-ene)?
Option A HH∣∣C=C∣∣HH\begin{array}{ccc} \text{H} & & \text{H} \\ | & & | \\ \text{C} & = & \text{C} \\ | & & | \\ \text{H} & & \text{H} \end{array}H∣C∣H=H∣C∣H
Option B CH3H∣∣C=C∣∣HH\begin{array}{ccc} \text{CH}_3 & & \text{H} \\ | & & | \\ \text{C} & = & \text{C} \\ | & & | \\ \text{H} & & \text{H} \end{array}CH3∣C∣H=H∣C∣H
Option C C2H5H∣∣C=C∣∣HH\begin{array}{ccc} \text{C}_2\text{H}_5 & & \text{H} \\ | & & | \\ \text{C} & = & \text{C} \\ | & & | \\ \text{H} & & \text{H} \end{array}C2H5∣C∣H=H∣C∣H
Option D CH3CH3∣∣C=C∣∣HH\begin{array}{ccc} \text{CH}_3 & & \text{CH}_3 \\ | & & | \\ \text{C} & = & \text{C} \\ | & & | \\ \text{H} & & \text{H} \end{array}CH3∣C∣H=CH3∣C∣H
Which process is used to make poly(but-1-ene) from small molecules?
- Cracking
- Distillation
- Fermentation
- Polymerisation
Complete the sentences using terms from this list: [catalysts, monomers, polymers, isomers, saturated, unsaturated, many]
- Poly(but-1-ene) is produced from small unsaturated molecules called ______.
- When poly(but-1-ene) is made, ______ monomer molecules join to form long-chain molecules.
- These long-chain molecules are called ______.
Table 1 gives some information about disposable cups made of paper and poly(but-1-ene).
| Feature | Paper cups | Poly(but-1-ene) cups |
|---|---|---|
| Source of raw materials | Wood | Crude oil |
| Energy to make 1000 cups (MJ) | 550 | 210 |
| Biodegradable | Yes | No |
| Recyclable | Yes | Yes |
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using paper and poly(but-1-ene) to make disposable cups. Use Table 1 and your knowledge of life cycle assessments (LCAs).