Open Question
The molecular formula of n-decane is CH3(CH2)8CH3. Decane is not considered a polymer, whereas polyethylene is. What is the distinction?
Ch.12 - Solids and Modern Materials
Chapter 12, Problem 85
An ester is a compound formed by a condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol that eliminates a water molecule. Read the discussion of esters in Section 24.4 and then give an example of a reaction forming an ester. How might this kind of reaction be extended to form a polymer (a polyester)?
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the basic esterification reaction, which involves a carboxylic acid (RCOOH) reacting with an alcohol (R'OH) to form an ester (RCOOR') and water (H2O).
Step 2: Write a balanced chemical equation for a simple esterification reaction. For example, acetic acid (CH3COOH) reacting with ethanol (C2H5OH) to form ethyl acetate (CH3COOC2H5) and water.
Step 3: Recognize that the esterification reaction is a type of condensation reaction, where two molecules combine with the elimination of a small molecule, in this case, water.
Step 4: To extend this reaction to form a polymer, consider using a diacid (a molecule with two carboxylic acid groups) and a diol (a molecule with two alcohol groups).
Step 5: Write a general equation for the polymerization process, where the diacid and diol react to form a polyester, with the repeated elimination of water molecules, resulting in a long chain polymer.
Related Practice
Open Question
State whether each of these numbers is a reasonable value for a polymer’s molecular weight: 100 amu, 10,000 amu, 100,000 amu, 1,000,000 amu.
Open Question
Indicate whether the following statement is true or false: For an addition polymerization, there are no by-products of the reaction (assuming 100% yield).
Textbook Question
Write a balanced chemical equation for the formation of a polymer via a condensation reaction from the monomers succinic acid 1HOOCCH2CH2COOH2 and ethylenediamine 1H2NCH2CH2NH22.
679
views
1
rank
Open Question
An addition polymerization forms the polymer originally used as Saran™ wrap. It has the following structure −[CCl2−CH2]−n. Draw the structure of the monomer.
Textbook Question
Write the chemical equation that represents the formation of (b) polyacrylonitrile from acrylonitrile (polyacrylonitrile is used in home furnishings, craft yarns, clothing, and many other items).
423
views