9701 · 35.2
Predicting the type of polymerisation flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9701 Predicting the type of polymerisation (syllabus 35.2). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What is addition polymerisation?
A process where unsaturated monomer molecules add to a growing polymer chain one at a time, without the loss of any atoms. The empirical formula of the polymer is the same as the monomer.
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What is condensation polymerisation?
A process where monomers with two functional groups join together with the loss of a small molecule, such as water ($H_2O$) or hydrogen chloride ($HCl$), for each bond formed.
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What structural feature is required for a monomer to undergo addition polymerisation?
A carbon-carbon double bond ($C=C$).
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What structural feature is required for monomers to undergo condensation polymerisation?
Two reactive functional groups per monomer. These can be on the same molecule or on two different types of monomer.
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What is a repeating unit?
The smallest structural unit of a polymer chain which, when repeated, generates the complete polymer structure.
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What is the linkage formed in a polyester?
An ester linkage ($-COO-$).
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What is the linkage formed in a polyamide?
An amide linkage ($-CONH-$), also known as a peptide link in proteins.
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When forming a polyester from a diol and a dicarboxylic acid, what small molecule is eliminated?
Water ($H_2O$).
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When forming a polyamide from a diamine and a diacyl chloride, what small molecule is eliminated?
Hydrogen chloride ($HCl$).
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Does the empirical formula of a condensation polymer match that of its monomers?
No. Because a small molecule is eliminated for every link formed, the polymer's empirical formula will be different from the combined formula of the monomers.
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What type of polymer is Kevlar?
A polyamide, formed by the condensation polymerisation of benzene-1,4-diamine and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (or its diacyl chloride).