How to deduce the polymerisation reaction for any alkene
3 marks · EasyThe table shows the formulae of some monomers and their corresponding polymers.
| Polymer | Monomer formula |
|---|---|
| poly(ethene) | CH2=CH2 |
| poly(chloroethene) | CH2=CHCl |
| poly(propene) | CH3CH=CH2 |
Which polymer in the table is made from a monomer containing a chlorine atom?
Give the name of the monomer used to make poly(ethene).
Write the structural formula of poly(propene)'s repeat unit.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) poly(chloroethene) · must show chlorine atom in monomer
(b) ethene · must show monomer correctly named
(c) (–CH2–CH(CH3)–)n · must show repeat unit
Common mistakes: Giving formula instead of name; Incorrectly writing polymer instead of monomer
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correct polymer is poly(chloroethene).
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Correct monomer name is ethene.
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Correct repeat unit formula for poly(propene): (–CH2–CH(CH3)–)n.
Worked solution
a) Poly(chloroethene) is made from a monomer with a chlorine atom (CH2=CHCl).
b) The monomer for poly(ethene) is ethene.
c) Repeat unit of poly(propene) is (–CH2–CH(CH3)–)n.