Question

Write the repeat unit which results from polymerization of the following monomers.

a) (CH₂CH₂)n
b) (C₆H₁2O₆)n
c) (CH₃CH=CH₂)n
d) (NH₂CONH₂)n

Answer 1

The repeat units for the given monomers are polyethylene (-CH2CH2-), polysaccharides (-C6H10O5-), polypropylene (-CH2CH(CH3)-), and a urea-based polymer (-NHCONH-) with the elimination of water in some cases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The repeat units resulting from the polymerization of the given monomers are as follows:

• a) The polymerization of ethylene (CH2CH2)n results in polyethylene with the repeat unit -CH2CH2-.
• b) The polymerization of glucose (C6H12O6)n typically results in polysaccharides like starch or cellulose, with the repeat unit being -C6H10O5- due to the loss of water molecules during condensation polymerization.
• c) The polymerization of propylene (CH3CH=CH2)n results in polypropylene with the repeat unit -CH2CH(CH3)-.
• d) The polymerization of urea (NH2CONH2)n through condensation results in a polymer with the repeat unit -NHCONH- with the elimination of water molecules.

In addition polymerization, all the atoms present in the monomers are retained in the polymer, while in condensation polymerization, small molecules such as water are eliminated.