Addition polymers

Question 1

What is a polymer?

Answer 1

• Long molecules that are formed when lots of smaller molecules (monomers) join together to make a long chain

Question 2

Why can alkenes undergo addition polymerisation?

Answer 2

• Alkenes are unsaturated
• The carbon-carbon double bond can open up and allow it to join to other molecules

Question 3

What conditions are required for addition polymerisation?

Answer 3

• High pressure
• Catalyst

Question 4

What is a monomer?

Answer 4

• A small, repeating unit that is connected to adjacent units using covalant bonds to form a polymer

Question 5

Example of addition polymerisation of butene (equation)

Answer 5

• Butene = poly(butene)

Question 6

What must you make sure when drawing addition polymerisation?

Answer 6

• Covalant bonds must extend out of the brackets
• Must write n to show number of repeating units
• n must be written outside of brackets