CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Polymerisation

Polymerisation: explain question

Explain7 marksChallenge

A section of a polymer chain is shown below.

\ce{-O-C(=O)-CH2-CH2-O-C(=O)-CH2-CH2-}

Explain why this polymer is formed by condensation polymerisation rather than addition polymerisation. In your answer, refer to the structure of the repeating unit and the monomers needed to form the polymer.

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.

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