Synthetic Polymers
Overview
Polymers are giant molecules built from thousands of small repeating units, and they are everywhere: the plastic bottle in your bag, the non-stick coating on a frying pan, the polyester in your school uniform. Understanding how they are made, used, and disposed of connects organic chemistry directly to environmental science.
In this lesson you will learn the difference between addition and condensation polymerisation, how to draw repeat units and deduce monomers, and why the disposal of polymers is a global environmental challenge. You will also meet biopolyesters, a newer class of polymers designed to biodegrade.
Objectives
- know that an addition polymer is formed by joining up many small molecules called monomers
- understand how to draw the repeat unit of an addition polymer, including poly(ethene), poly(propene), poly(chloroethene) and (poly)tetrafluoroethene
- understand how to deduce the structure of a monomer from the repeat unit of an addition polymer and vice versa
- explain problems in the disposal of addition polymers, including: - their inertness and inability to biodegrade - the production of toxic gases when they are burned.
- know that condensation polymerisation, in which a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diol, produces a polyester and water
- understand how to write the structural and displayed formula of a polyester, showing the repeat unit, given the formulae of the monomers from which it is formed including the reaction of ethanedioic acid and ethanediol:
- know that some polyesters, known as biopolyesters, are biodegradable
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Synthetic Polymers. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- In addition polymerisation, the monomer must contain: A) An -OH group B) A C=C double bond C) A -COOH group D) A halogen atom Answer: B
- What is produced alongside the polymer in condensation polymerisation? A) Hydrogen B) Carbon dioxide C) Water D) Nothing Answer: C
- Which polymer is made from chloroethene? A) Poly(ethene) B) Poly(propene) C) Poly(chloroethene) D) Poly(tetrafluoroethene) Answer: C
- Addition polymers are difficult to dispose of because they are: A) Soluble in water B) Radioactive C) Non-biodegradable D) Explosive Answer: C
- A polyester is formed from a dicarboxylic acid and a: A) Diamine B) Diol C) Diketone D) Dialdehyde Answer: B
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