How is an addition polymer named?

Poly followed by the monomer name in brackets, e.g. poly(propene).

How do you find the monomer from a section of polymer chain?

Take two adjacent backbone carbons for one repeating unit and replace the bond between them with a C=C bond.

Why are addition polymers unreactive?

They contain only strong, non-polar C–C and C–H single bonds.

Why are addition polymers an environmental problem?

They are not biodegradable, so they persist as waste.

Why is PVC more rigid than poly(ethene)?

Its polar C–Cl bonds give permanent dipole–dipole forces as well as London forces.

What is a plasticiser?

A small molecule added to a polymer that gets between the chains and makes it more flexible.

Name uses of rigid and flexible PVC.

Rigid: window frames, drainpipes. Flexible: cable insulation, flooring.

Addition polymersAQA A-Level Chemistry: Flashcards

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What is an addition polymer?

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What is an addition polymer?: A polymer formed by joining many alkene or substituted alkene monomers by opening their C=C bonds.
Write the repeating unit of poly(ethene).: (–CH₂–CH₂–)
Write the repeating unit of poly(propene).: (–CH₂–CH(CH₃)–)
Write the repeating unit of poly(chloroethene).: (–CH₂–CHCl–)
How is an addition polymer named?: Poly followed by the monomer name in brackets, e.g. poly(propene).
How do you find the monomer from a section of polymer chain?: Take two adjacent backbone carbons for one repeating unit and replace the bond between them with a C=C bond.
Why are addition polymers unreactive?: They contain only strong, non-polar C–C and C–H single bonds.
Why are addition polymers an environmental problem?: They are not biodegradable, so they persist as waste.
What type of force acts between poly(ethene) chains?: London forces.
Why is PVC more rigid than poly(ethene)?: Its polar C–Cl bonds give permanent dipole–dipole forces as well as London forces.
What is a plasticiser?: A small molecule added to a polymer that gets between the chains and makes it more flexible.
Name uses of rigid and flexible PVC.: Rigid: window frames, drainpipes. Flexible: cable insulation, flooring.

Exam questions on Addition polymers

Poly(chloroethene), PVC, is made by addition polymerisation of chloroethene, CH₂=CHCl. Rigid PVC is used for window frames and drainpipes, whereas a flexible form is used to insulate electrical cables.
Write an equation for the formation of poly(chloroethene) from chloroethene, showing the repeating unit.2 marks
Poly(propene) is used to make ropes, crates and food containers. A section of its chain has the structure –CH₂–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–CH(CH₃)–.
Name the type of intermolecular force between poly(propene) chains and explain why the polymer is solid at room temperature.2 marks
Poly(ethene) is used to make carrier bags and plastic film. It is made from ethene by addition polymerisation, and large quantities are produced each year.
Explain how poly(ethene) is formed from ethene. State the repeating unit of poly(ethene) and give the IUPAC name of the polymer made from but-1-ene, CH₂=CHCH₂CH₃.3 marks

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Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).