ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

CAIE A-Level Chemistry 20.1.4 Poly(alkene) Disposal Problems

Practise explaining why poly(alkenes) are difficult to dispose of through persistence and harmful combustion products.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
AS

Exam points

  • state that poly(alkenes) are non-biodegradable, so discarded material persists and accumulates
  • identify harmful or toxic gases released on burning, using the polymer composition to justify the product
  • separate the landfill persistence problem from the air-pollution problem caused by incineration

20.1.4—The difficulty of the disposal question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Fig. 4.1 shows a possible synthesis of propene, C3H6\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6}.

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.1

Under suitable conditions, propene polymerises to form poly(propene).

Poly(propene) exhibits stereoisomerism.

State two difficulties associated with the disposal of poly(propene).

1

2

All question bank results loaded