7.3 Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers Flashcards
What is a polymer?
A long chain of repeating units, called monomers, covalently bonded.
What is the name of the polymer made using ethene?
poly(ethene)
What do monomers involved in addition polymerisation look like?
Monomers that contain a double covalent bond
How do the number of atoms in an addition polymer compare to the number of atoms in the monomer?
They are exactly the same because there is only one product (molecule) made.
Draw the repeating unit of poly(propene)
Draw propene without DCB in brackets with a subscript “n” outside
How does a condensation polymer form?
Monomers react and lose a small molecule (often water)
Give an example of the type of small molecules found in condensation reactions.
Water
Describe the reaction to form polyesters.
Polymerisation reaction between two alcohol groups (a diol) and two carboxylic groups (a dioic acid) causing loss of water molecules.
Give four examples of naturally occurring polymers that are important for life.
- Starch
- DNA
- Cellulose
- Proteins
What is an amino acid?
The small molecule that proteins break down into (contains both a carboxylic acid functionality (COOH) and an amine functional group (-NH2)).
What polymer do amino acids make?
Polypeptides
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
What is the function of DNA?
To contain genetical information that allow organisms to function properly.
What is the structure of DNA?
Double helix of two polymer chains, made from 4 nucleotides (monomers).
Which monomer is used to make starch?
Glucose
