Amides, polyamides and addition polymersEdexcel International A Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Amides, polyamides and addition polymers

1. A technician makes ethanamide, CH₃CONH₂, in a fume cupboard by reacting an acyl chloride with a nitrogen-containing compound.
   Write an equation for the reaction of ethanoyl chloride with ammonia, and explain why two moles of ammonia are needed for each mole of ethanoyl chloride.2 marks
2. Nylon-6,6 is made by condensation polymerisation. In a demonstration, a solution of hexanedioyl dichloride, ClOC(CH₂)₄COCl, in an organic solvent is carefully covered with an aqueous solution of hexane-1,6-diamine, H₂N(CH₂)₆NH₂. A film of nylon forms where the two liquids meet and is pulled out as a continuous rope.
   Explain why nylon-6,6 fibres have a high tensile strength.2 marks
3. A chemical company makes two water-soluble addition polymers: poly(ethenol), used for dissolvable laundry bags and for the film around liquid detergent capsules (liquitabs), and poly(propenamide), made from propenamide, CH₂=CHCONH₂. Ethenol, CH₂=CHOH, is unstable, so poly(ethenol) is not made directly from it.
   Give the repeat unit of poly(ethenol) and explain, in terms of intermolecular forces, why it dissolves in water.3 marks