Synthetic Polymers

• What are examples of naturally occurring polymers?

  Proteins and polysaccharides
• What are synthetic polymers used for?

  They are used for plastic bags and clothing
• What are polymers made of?

  Many repeating units
• What is addition polymerisation?

  It is a process where small molecules called monomers join to form a polymer
• What is the common name for poly(ethene)?

  Polythene
• What are the learning objectives regarding addition polymers?

  To know how to draw the repeat unit and deduce the structure of monomers
• What are the problems associated with the disposal of addition polymers?

  • Inertness and inability to biodegrade
  • Production of toxic gases when burned
• What is the smallest alkene?

  Ethene
• How is ethene produced?

  By cracking
• What is the molecular formula of ethene?

  C₂H₄
• What happens to the carbon-carbon double bond during polymerisation?

  Part of the double bond is broken to form a single bond
• How does polymerisation occur in the case of ethene?

  Lots of ethene molecules join together to form polythene
• What is the result of addition polymerisation?

  Molecules add onto each other without anything else being formed