7. Organic Chemistry (polymers, addition polymerisation, condensation polymerisation, DNA) Flashcards
What are monomers?
small molecules that combine together to form a polymer
What is a polymer?
A long chain molecule which is made by lots of smaller molecules joining together
How do molecules containing C = C bond form polymers?
The C = C bond opens up and many smaller molecules (monomers) join together to form a chain (a polymer).
What is an addition polymerisation reaction?
When the C = C bond opens up and many smaller molecules (monomers) join together to form a chain (a polymer).
Give 3 examples of addition polymers and their uses?
- polyethene - plastic bags
- (Poly)tetrafluoroethene - non-stick pans
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC) - water pipes
When is a polymer referred to as a condensation polymer?
when water is produced as a by-product of the reaction
How is a condensation polymer made?
When two monomers with different functional groups react, they join together, usually losing small molecules such as water
Give two examples of a condensation polymer?
- polyesters, eg. terylene
- polyamides, eg. nylon
What is an amide bond?
A bond between adjacent amino acids
What is an amino acid?
An organic compound that contains both a carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH) and an amine functional group (-NH2)
What are polypeptides?
Chains of amino acids
How are polypeptides (proteins) made?
by the condensation polymerisation of amino acids
What are carbohydrates?
Organic molecules made of C, H and O.
Many bromopropene molecules combine in an addition reaction to form a polymer. What is the name of the polymer formed?
poly(bromopropene)
What are starch and cellulose?
Natural polymers made out of glucose
What are the 3 naturally occurring polymers?
- proteins
- starch
- cellulose
How do starch and cellulose differ?
in the way their glucose molecules are joined together
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, is a large molecule that makes up chromosomes
What is DNA made up of?
- two polymer chains held together in a double helix (protecting it from damage)
What can each polymer chain in DNA be made up of?
4 different monomers that are called nucleotides
What is a dimer?
two monomers combined
Which type of polymers are biodegradable and why?
- condensation polymers
- as ester links can be broken down by microorganisms
Which monomers combine to form DNA?
nucleotides
What 3 things are examples of carbohydrate polymers?
- glycogen
- cellulose
- starch
