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CAIE A-Level Chemistry 35.3 Degradable polymers Question Bank

Practise explaining degradable polymers using hydrolysis, UV action, ester or amide links, and the inert C-C chains in polyalkenes.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
A2

Exam points

  • explain slow polyalkene biodegradation using non-polar C-C bonds and resistance to hydrolysis
  • link ester or amide links in condensation polymers to hydrolysis and biodegradability

Covered syllabus points

35.3.1—Poly(alkenes) are chemically inert35.3.2—Some polymers can be degraded by the action35.3.3—Biodegradable polyesters and polyamides

35.3 Degradable polymers question 1

[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.

35.3 Degradable polymers question 2

[Maximum number: 3]

Question (a)

(a)

Polyalkenes biodegrade very slowly.

Explain why by referring to the structures of the polymers.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Some polymers will degrade in the environment.

Describe two processes by which this occurs.
1

2

[ 2 ]

35.3 Degradable polymers question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

Lactic acid, CH3CH(OH)COOH\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}(\mathrm{OH}) \mathrm{COOH}, is the only monomer needed to form the polymer polylactic acid, PLA.

Predict whether PLA is readily biodegradable. Explain your answer.

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