6.28 - Polymerisation reactions Flashcards
1
Q
What is a monomer?
A
A small molecule that can combine with other identical monomers to form a polymer
2
Q
How do you name a polymer?
A
Poly(monomer-name)
3
Q
What would the polymer version of ethene be?
A
Polyethene
4
Q
What type of molecules can form polymers?
A
Alkenes
5
Q
Why?
A
Because they are unsaturated, so the double bond can break, allowing monomers to attach to it
6
Q
What is a repeat unit?
A
The set of atoms that are joined together in large numbers to produce the polymer structure
7
Q
How should a repeat unit be drawn?
A
- Bonds at right angles to each other
- Square brackets around the repeat unit
- ‘n’ at bottom right, outside bracket, where n is number of monomers used
- Lines extending from exterior carbon atoms, so that they continue out of the bracket
