9701 · 20.1
Addition polymerisation
Addition polymerisation is like making a long paper chain from individual rings. Small molecules with a carbon-carbon double bond (monomers) break this bond to link up into a massive chain (polymer) with no other products formed.
Need to know
What you need to know
- The monomer must be an alkene or a substituted alkene.
- The C=C double bond breaks, and a C-C single bond backbone forms.
- No other molecule is produced; the empirical formula of the monomer and the repeat unit are identical.
- The process is an 'addition' reaction on a massive scale.
Explanation
Linking Up Alkenes
- Addition polymer: C=C opens — repeat unit loses double bond.
- Monomer must contain C=C — no by-product formed.
- Disposal/recycling issues — non-biodegradable polyalkenes.
- Draw one repeat unit from displayed formula.