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Polymers: Flashcards

Revise monomers, repeat units, addition and condensation polymers, nylon, polyesters, proteins and disposal.

10 cardsIntermediate

10 cards

  1. Question
    What are a monomer and a polymer?
    Answer

    A monomer is a small molecule; a polymer is a very large molecule made by joining many monomers.

  2. Question
    What is a repeat unit?
    Answer

    The section of the chain that repeats, drawn in brackets with n, with bonds extending through the brackets.

  3. Question
    What is addition polymerization?
    Answer

    Alkene monomers join as their C=C bonds open; no other product forms.

  4. Question
    Repeat unit of poly(propene)?
    Answer

    –[CH₂–CH(CH₃)]–: the CH₃ is a branch, not part of the main chain.

  5. Question
    Monomer of PVC?
    Answer

    Chloroethene, CH₂=CHCl (vinyl chloride).

  6. Question
    What is condensation polymerization?
    Answer

    Monomers with two functional groups join, releasing a small molecule (usually water) at every link.

  7. Question
    Monomers of a polyester and of a polyamide?
    Answer

    Polyester: dicarboxylic acid + diol (–COO– links). Polyamide (nylon): dicarboxylic acid + diamine (–CONH– links).

  8. Question
    How are proteins related to polymers?
    Answer

    They are condensation polymers of amino acids, joined by amide (peptide) links.

  9. Question
    Thermoplastic vs thermoset?
    Answer

    Thermoplastics soften on heating and can be remelted. Thermosets are cross-linked and do not melt.

  10. Question
    Why are addition polymers not biodegradable?
    Answer

    Their chains have only strong, unreactive C–C and C–H bonds, which microbes cannot easily break.