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Synthetic polymers

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Question 4

Chloroethene (C2H3Cl\text{C}_2\text{H}_3\text{Cl}C2​H3​Cl) is a gas that is stored under pressure.

During prolonged storage, some cylinders were found to contain a white solid because the chloroethene had undergone addition polymerisation.

a.

The displayed formula for the repeat unit of the addition polymer formed is:

The repeat unit of the polymer, showing a -CH2-CHCl- group with horizontal extension bonds indicating it is part of a longer chain. Specifically, two carbon atoms are joined by a single covalent bond. The left carbon is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, one pointing vertically up and one vertically down. The right carbon is bonded to one hydrogen atom pointing vertically up and one chlorine atom pointing vertically down. Horizontal extension lines extend from the left and right of the carbon-carbon single bond.

Draw the displayed formula of the monomer.

[1]
b.

What is the meaning of the term polymer?

[1]
c.

Suggest the name of this polymer.

[1]
d.

The displayed formula for a section of another addition polymer is:

A section of an addition polymer consisting of ten carbon atoms connected in a chain by single covalent bonds. Each of the ten carbon atoms is bonded to two fluorine atoms, one pointing straight up and one pointing straight down. Horizontal extension lines extend from the ends of the chain.

Give the name and molecular formula of the monomer used to form this polymer.

[2]
e.

Explain why addition polymers that are buried in landfill sites remain chemically unchanged for many years.

[2]

Synthetic polymers Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Synthetic polymers