C11 - Polymers

• What process produces a large range of hydrocarbons from crude oil?

  Fractional distillation and cracking
• Why are hydrocarbons important in daily life?

  They are used as fuels and chemicals
• What are small molecules that join to form polymers called?

  Monomers
• What is the difference between monomers and polymers?

  Monomers are small; polymers are large
• What is the smallest unsaturated hydrocarbon molecule?

  Ethene
• What is poly(ethene) used for?

  Plastic bags, bottles, and cling film
• What is the polymer made from propene called?

  Poly(propene)
• What type of reaction occurs when alkene molecules join together?

  Addition polymerisation
• How do monomers join to form polymers during addition polymerisation?

  The double bond opens to form single bonds
• What is the repeating unit in addition polymers?

  Same as the monomer with single bonds
• What is produced in addition polymerisation reactions?

  Only the polymer
• What are condensation polymers made from?

  Two different monomers
• What is released during condensation polymerisation?

  A small molecule, usually water
• How do the functional groups of monomers differ in condensation polymerisation?

  They must react together to form links
• What is the general equation for making a polyester?

  Diol + dicarboxylic acid → polyester + water
• What type of bond forms between monomers in a polyester?

  Ester links
• What is the role of the -OH group in forming polyesters?

  It reacts with carboxylic acids to form links
• What is the significance of naturally occurring polymers?

  They are found in all living things
• What are the key differences between addition and condensation polymerisation?

  • Addition polymerisation:
  • One product formed (the polymer)
  • Monomers contain C=C bonds
  • Condensation polymerisation:
  • Two products formed (the polymer and a small molecule)
  • Monomers have different functional groups
• What are the characteristics of addition polymers?

  • Formed from the addition of monomers
  • Repeating units identical to monomers
  • No small molecules released during formation
• What are the characteristics of condensation polymers?

  • Formed from two different monomers
  • Repeating units differ from monomers
  • Small molecules (like water) released during formation
• What is the smallest piece of a polymer chain called?

  Monomer
• What is released during condensation polymerization?

  A small molecule, usually water
• What are the two types of monomers used in simplest condensation polymers?

  Two different monomers
• What forms polyesters in condensation polymerization?

  A diol and a dicarboxylic acid
• What are the key points of condensation polymerization?

  • Involves a small molecule released
  • Uses two different monomers
  • Forms polyesters from diols and dicarboxylic acids
• What are naturally occurring polymers found in living things?

  Starch, cellulose, and proteins
• What are carbohydrates made of?

  Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms
• What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

  C(H₂O)
• What is the most commonly known sugar?

  Glucose
• What type of sugar is fructose?

  A low-calorie alternative to glucose
• How do glucose and fructose differ in structure?

  Glucose has a six-membered ring, fructose has five
• What is sucrose made from?

  A glucose and a fructose molecule
• What reaction occurs when monosaccharides bond together?

  A condensation reaction
• What are polysaccharides made from?

  • Made from monosaccharide monomers
  • Can consist of thousands of sugar units
  • Examples include starch and cellulose
• What do plants use starch for?

  Energy stores
• What do plants use cellulose for?

  To give structure
• What are the monomers of proteins called?

  Amino acids
• What functional groups do amino acids contain?

  One basic and one acidic group
• What is the simplest amino acid?

  Glycine