Poly(propene) is an addition polymer used to make ropes and food containers. Ropes and containers made from poly(propene) are often disposed of in landfill sites, where they may remain for decades. Explain why poly(propene) is not biodegradable and why its disposal by combustion can produce harmful products.
CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Polymerisation
Polymerisation: explain question
Explain7 marksChallenge
How this question is marked
7 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 7 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
More Polymerisation questions
- 6 marks · A polyamide is produced by heating a single monomer, compound X, which contains both an amine group and a carboxylic acid group. A short…
- 7 marks · Poly(ethene) is a poly(alkene). Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a polyester. Nylon-6,6 is a polyamide. Describe how the chemical structures of…
- 7 marks · A condensation polymer is made by heating hexane-1,6-diamine with hexanedioic acid. A short section of the polymer chain is shown…
- 7 marks · A section of a polymer chain is shown below. -O-C(=O)-CH2-CH2-O-C(=O)-CH2-CH2- Explain why this polymer is formed by condensation…
- 7 marks · Two monomers are each able to form a condensation polymer on their own. Monomer A is a hydroxycarboxylic acid, HOCH2CH2COOH. Monomer B is…
- 7 marks · A polymer is formed by addition polymerisation of the monomer CH2=CHCl. (a) State the name of this polymer and draw the structure of its…
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.