Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers (7.3)

Question 1

What is used to make polymers such as poly(ethene) or poly(propene) by addition polymerisation?

Answer 1

alkenes

Question 2

How can alkenes be used to make polymers?

Answer 2

by addition polymerisation

Question 3

What happens in addition polymerisation reactions?

Answer 3

many small molecules (monomers) join together to form very large molecules (polymers)

Question 4

Draw the diagram of the reaction to make poly(ethene) by addition polymerisation

Answer 4

n = repeating unit

Question 5

In addition polymerisation, the double bond is (…)

Answer 5

broken

Question 6

In addition polymers the repeating unit has the (…) atoms as the monomer. Why is this?

Answer 6

same

because no other molecule is formed in the reaction

Question 7

What is the functional group of monomers?

Answer 7

C=C

Question 8

What does condensation polymerisation involve?

Answer 8

monomers with two (different) functional groups

Question 9

Why are some reactions to make polymers called condensation reactions?

Answer 9

When these types of monomers react they join together, forming end-to end links, usually losing small molecules such as the by-product water

Question 10

What is the formula (in diagram form) for ethanediol?

Answer 10

Question 11

What is the formula (in diagram form) for hexanoic acid?

Answer 11

Question 12

Draw the diagram for ethanediol and hexanedioic acid polymerising to produce a polyester

Answer 12

Question 13

In condensation polymerisation (and addition), the repeating unit (except water which doubles), is the (…) everywhere

Answer 13

same

Question 14

Describe the functional groups in amino acids

Answer 14

Amino acids have two different functional groups in a molecule

Question 15

Amino acids (with two different fucntional groups) react by (…) to produce (…)

Answer 15

condensation polymerisation

polypeptides

Question 16

How does glycine (an amino acid) polymerise?

Answer 16

poly(glycine) is the polypeptide produced

Question 17

How can amino acid produce proteins?

Answer 17

Different amino acids can be combined in the same chain to produce proteins

Question 18

What is DNA?

Answer 18

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a large molecule essential for life

Question 19

What is the function of DNA?

Answer 19

encodes genetic instructions (genes) for the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses

Question 20

What do you call the monomers from which DNA is made from?

Answer 20

nucleotides

Question 21

Describe the structure of most DNA molecules

Answer 21

Most DNA molecules are two polymer chains, made from four different monomers called nucleotides, in the form of a double helix

the double helix is the two strand that overlap

Question 22

3 needed

Other than DNA, what are other naturally occurring polymers important for life?

Answer 22

proteins, starch and cellulose

Question 23

What monomer are proteins produced from?

Answer 23

amino acids

Question 24

What monomer is starch produced from?

Answer 24

small sugars (e.g. glucose)

Question 25

What monomer is cellulose produced from?

Answer 25

small sugars (e.g. glucose)

Question 26

Generally, addition polymers are biodegradable, whereas condensation polymers are non biodegradable’ True or False?

Answer 26

False Addition polymers are **non biodegradable**, whereas condensation polymers are **biodegradable**

Question 27

What is the functional group of amines?

Answer 27

NH₂

Question 28

What are the two functional groups that are always in an amino acid?

Answer 28

-COOH (carboxylic acid) and -NH₂ (amine)

Question 29

Why does HDPE have a higher density than LDPE?

Answer 29

In HDPE, polymer chains/molecules are closer together more atoms per unit volume