CAIE A-Level Chemistry 35.3.1 Chemical Inertness of Polyalkenes

Practise explaining slow polyalkene biodegradation from their non-polar carbon backbone and lack of hydrolysable links.

Exam points

identify the polyalkene backbone as containing strong, non-polar C–C and C–H bonds
state that the chain lacks polar ester or amide links that water or enzymes can hydrolyse
link this chemical inertness to resistance to biological degradation rather than simply calling the polymer strong

[Maximum number: 1]

Copper is a transition element and has atomic number 29.

Polymer Z is an example of a biodegradable polymer.

Name a polymer that is non-biodegradable.

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