CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Polymerisation

Polymerisation: describe question

Describe7 marksChallenge

A sample of a polymer has the following repeating unit:

--O-- $\ce{CH2CH2}$ --O--CO-- $\ce{C6H4}$ --CO--

where $\ce{C6H4}$ represents a benzene ring with substituents at the 1- and 4-positions.

(a) Describe the type of polymerisation that produces this polymer. In your answer, identify the monomers used and the by-product formed.

(b) A different polymer is produced from monomers X and Y. X is hexane-1,6-diamine and Y is hexanedioyl dichloride. Predict the type of polymerisation that occurs. Describe the structure of the polymer formed, including the linkage and any by-product.

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.

Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.

Polymerisation: describe question

How this question is marked

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