Alcohols and Polymers

Question 1

Alcohol functional group

Answer 1

-OH

Question 2

Fermentation of alcohols

Answer 2

Conversion of glucose into ethanol by yeast
Conditions:
Yeast(Zymase) catalyst
30°C (not to denature enzymes)
Anaerobic - If oxygen were present it would be similar to a respiration reaction

Question 3

Hydration of alcohols

Answer 3

Ethanol is made by passing ethene and steam over a catalyst (industrial process)
Conditions:
Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) catalyst
300°C
60 atm. pressure

Question 4

Why is fermentation done in the absence of air

Answer 4

In aerobic conditions, enzymes in the yeast produce carbon dioxide and water instead of ethanol
Also, in the presence of air, the ethanol can oxidise to ethanoic acid

Question 5

How is an addition polymer formed

Answer 5

Many monomers are joined up:
One bond in the double bond breaks
Monomers join together to form a long chain
Polymers contain only single bonds

Question 6

How to draw repeat unit (e.g. from ethene)

Answer 6

C2H4 with double bond -> C2H4 without double bond - left and right ends empty
To draw the polymer add brackets and an “n” at the bottom right

Question 6

Draw polypropene:

Answer 6

CONDENSE THE CH3 so that it is CH2=CHCH3 AND DRAWN IN REPEAT UNITS OF 2

Question 7

Deduce the structure of the monomer from a repeat unit

Answer 7

Remove the extending single bonds
Draw in a double bond

Question 8

Problems in the disposal of addition polymers

Answer 8

Polymers are inert as they have strong C-C bonds
This makes them non-biodegradable (unable to be broken down by microorganisms)
If burnt the addition polymers could produce toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride