Chapter 30: Problem 3
Which of the following is a chain growth polymer? (a) proteins (b) starch (c) nucleic acid (d) polystyrene
Short Answer
Expert verified
Polystyrene is the chain growth polymer.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Chain-Growth Polymerization
Chain-growth polymerization involves the process of adding monomers with reactive double bonds or other reactive sites one at a time to the growing end of a polymer chain. This is different from step-growth polymerization, where the reaction occurs between all monomers with functional groups. Common examples of chain-growth polymerization include polymerization of alkenes like ethylene to form polyethylene.
02
Analyzing the Options
Examine each option based on the types of monomers and polymerization it involves:
- (a) Proteins are formed by amino acids linking through peptide bonds, a step-growth polymerization process.
- (b) Starch is a polysaccharide formed by glucose units linked together, another step-growth polymerization example.
- (c) Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are formed by nucleotide monomers linking into long chains, also through step-growth polymerization.
- (d) Polystyrene is formed by the polymerization of styrene monomers, which involves a chain-growth polymerization process.
03
Determining the Chain-Growth Polymer
Based on the chain-growth polymerization process, the polymers formed from alkenes involve this type of growth mechanism. In the given options, polystyrene is produced from styrene monomers using chain-growth polymerization.
04
Conclusion
Among the given options, polystyrene is the only polymer formed by chain-growth polymerization, with reactive sites in the styrene monomers facilitating a chain addition process.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
polystyrene
Polystyrene is a common plastic used in many everyday items, such as food containers and packaging materials. It is made through a process called chain-growth polymerization, specifically from a monomer known as styrene. The styrene monomers have reactive double bonds, which allow them to connect in a chain-like fashion.
Most notably, polystyrene is a thermoplastic. This means it can be remolded and reshaped when heated, making it very versatile for various applications.
Most notably, polystyrene is a thermoplastic. This means it can be remolded and reshaped when heated, making it very versatile for various applications.
- Characteristics: lightweight, good insulation properties
- Uses: disposable cutlery, building insulation, and more
step-growth polymerization
Step-growth polymerization is another way polymers are formed. It involves different mechanisms compared to chain-growth polymerization.
In this process, any two molecules containing functional groups can react to form a bond, leading to the creation of a larger molecule. This means that monomers do not need to have reactive double bonds, like those seen in chain-growth polymerization. More often, they have functional groups like -OH or -NH groups. Because of this difference, step-growth polymerization can form both linear and network polymers.
In this process, any two molecules containing functional groups can react to form a bond, leading to the creation of a larger molecule. This means that monomers do not need to have reactive double bonds, like those seen in chain-growth polymerization. More often, they have functional groups like -OH or -NH groups. Because of this difference, step-growth polymerization can form both linear and network polymers.
- Examples: Proteins and starch are produced by this method.
- Rate of Reaction: Typically slower than chain-growth polymerization as it requires multiple steps of reactions.
polymerization processes
Polymerization processes are chemical reactions where monomers link together to form a polymer. These processes are vital in creating various materials with unique properties, used in countless applications globally.
There are two primary types of polymerization processes: chain-growth and step-growth. Each of these processes has its own characteristics and applications:
There are two primary types of polymerization processes: chain-growth and step-growth. Each of these processes has its own characteristics and applications:
- Chain-growth polymerization: Monomers add to the chain one at a time. Commonly involves reactive double bonds.
- Step-growth polymerization: Any two reactive monomers can combine. Requires functional groups such as -COOH or -NH2.