U3-2 - Plastics Flashcards
Polymers
Long chain molecules formed by joining together a large number of small molecules called monomers.
Monomers
Small molecules which can be joined together to make polymers.
How are polymers named?
By adding ‘poly’ to the monomer name.
(e.g. ethene → polyethene)
If you have a polymer name, how do you get the monomer name?
Remove ‘poly’.
(E.g. polyethene → ethene)
Addition polymerisation
A chemical reaction in which unsaturated monomers are joined, forming a polymer.
(addition reaction = only 1 product made)
Name the type of reaction that occurs when alkenes join to form a polymer.
Addition polymerisation
How do you draw the polymer formed from these molecules?
- Remove double bonds.
- Draw bonds between molecules.
- Draw at least one end bond.
What is wrong with this polymer structure?
No end bonds shown. Should be:
Repeating unit
The shortest section of a polymer chain which, if repeated, would yield the complete polymer chain.
Identify the repeating unit
Identify the monomer
