Alkenes

Question 1

Addition polymer

Answer 1

A polymer formed by addition polymerisation. Formed from monomers with C=C bonds

Question 2

Addition polymerisation

Answer 2

The process by which addition polymers are formed. Lots of short chain monomers (alkenes) join together to form a long chain polymer by the ‘opening up’ of all the double carbon bonds.

Question 3

Alkenes

Answer 3

Alkenes are hydrocarbons with a double bond between two of the carbon atoms in their chain, causing them to be unsaturated. They have the general formula CnH2n

Question 4

Carbocation

Answer 4

A carbon atom bearing a positive charge

Question 5

Electrophile

Answer 5

Electron pair acceptor in an organic mechanism. Attracted to areas with a lot of electrons/high negative charge

Question 6

Major/minor products

Answer 6

Major and minor products are formed from electrophilic addition due to the relative stabilities of the primary/secondary/tertiary carbocation intermediates. The major product is formed from the most stable intermediate and the minor product is formed from the least stable intermediate

Question 7

Monomer

Answer 7

A short chain molecule that when bonded to other monomers forms a polymer

Question 8

Plasticiser

Answer 8

A chemical added to polymers to improve flexibility and workability. Plasticisers are often added to polychloroethene (PVC) to make it more flexible, making it suitable for uses such as electrical cables and clothing as well as plastic windows and guttering

Question 9

Polymer

Answer 9

Large long-chain molecules made up of lots of small monomers joined together by covalent bonds

Question 10

Repeat unit

Answer 10

The part of a polymer whose repetition would produce the complete polymer chain

Question 11

Unsaturated

Answer 11

Organic compounds are unsaturated if they have at least one double carbon (C=C). Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons