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Polymerisation Notes A Level

Polymerisation is the process of joining monomers to form polymers, with two main types: addition and condensation polymerisation. Addition polymerisation involves unsaturated monomers forming polymers without losing small molecules, while condensation polymerisation involves monomers with functional groups reacting and eliminating small molecules. Polymers have various properties and uses, but most are non-biodegradable, leading to environmental concerns.

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56 views3 pages

Polymerisation Notes A Level

Polymerisation is the process of joining monomers to form polymers, with two main types: addition and condensation polymerisation. Addition polymerisation involves unsaturated monomers forming polymers without losing small molecules, while condensation polymerisation involves monomers with functional groups reacting and eliminating small molecules. Polymers have various properties and uses, but most are non-biodegradable, leading to environmental concerns.

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mharadzi275
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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A Level Chemistry Notes: Polymerisation

1. Introduction to Polymerisation

Polymerisation is the process by which small molecules called monomers join together to form long chain

molecules called polymers. There are two main types of polymerisation: addition polymerisation and

condensation polymerisation.

2. Addition Polymerisation

Occurs when unsaturated monomers (usually alkenes) join together without the loss of any small molecules.

Examples:

- Ethene -> Polyethene

- Propene -> Polypropene

- Chloroethene (vinyl chloride) -> PVC

Mechanism involves free radicals or catalysts in industrial processes.

3. Condensation Polymerisation

Involves monomers with two functional groups reacting to form a polymer with the elimination of a small

molecule like water or HCl.

Examples:

- Dicarboxylic acids + diamines -> polyamides (e.g., nylon)

- Dicarboxylic acids + diols -> polyesters (e.g., Terylene)

These polymers contain ester or amide linkages.

4. Structure and Linkages

- Addition polymers: carbon-carbon backbone with no other atoms.

- Condensation polymers: contain ester (-COO-) or amide (-CONH-) linkages.


A Level Chemistry Notes: Polymerisation

5. Identification of Monomers

To identify monomers, 'cut' the polymer at the repeating unit and determine what molecules joined to form it.

For example, in polyamides, identify the repeating -CONH- and deduce the diacid and diamine involved.

6. Properties and Uses of Polymers

- Polyethene: Flexible, used in plastic bags.

- Polypropene: Stronger, used in ropes, containers.

- Nylon: Tough, used in fabrics.

- Terylene: Used in textiles and bottles.

7. Disposal and Environmental Impact

- Most polymers are non-biodegradable, causing pollution.

- Burning them can release toxic gases.

- Recycling and developing biodegradable polymers are key solutions.

8. Tricky Questions & Solutions

Q1: Name the type of polymerisation in the formation of nylon.

A: Condensation polymerisation (from diamine + dicarboxylic acid).

Q2: What are the monomers of polyethene?

A: Ethene (CH2=CH2).

Q3: Why are addition polymers generally non-biodegradable?

A: Their strong C-C bonds are not easily broken down by microorganisms.
A Level Chemistry Notes: Polymerisation

9. Exam Tip

Always check if there's elimination of a small molecule: if yes, it's condensation polymerisation.

Look for double bonds in monomers for addition polymerisation.

Pay attention to functional groups to determine monomers and linkage types.

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