Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is an addition polymer with the struc- ture shown here. Draw the structure of the monomer.

Key Concepts

Addition Polymerization

Addition polymerization is a process where monomers with unsaturated bonds (like double bonds) react to form a polymer. In this reaction, the double bonds of the monomers open up, allowing them to link together into long chains. This type of polymerization is common in the formation of plastics and synthetic fibers, such as polyacrylonitrile.

Monomer Structure

A monomer is a small, simple molecule that can join together to form a polymer. The structure of a monomer typically contains functional groups that facilitate the polymerization process. For polyacrylonitrile, the monomer is acrylonitrile, which consists of a vinyl group and a nitrile group, allowing it to undergo addition polymerization.

Chemical Structure Representation

Chemical structure representation involves depicting the arrangement of atoms within a molecule. This can be done using various formats, such as Lewis structures, condensed formulas, or skeletal structures. Understanding how to draw and interpret these representations is crucial for visualizing the monomer's structure and its transformation into a polymer.