IB Chemistry SL 2.4.5 Addition Polymers Questions

Use real exam questions to reverse-map alkene monomers, draw repeating units and explain C=C addition polymerization.

Exam points

Deduce the alkene monomer from an addition-polymer repeating unit, preserving substituent positions and carbon connectivity.
Draw a section of an addition polymer with the correct carbon backbone, substituents, continuation bonds and stereochemical arrangement.
Identify addition polymerization and explain that the monomer C=C bond is consumed to form the polymer chain.

[Maximum number: 3]

Phenylethene (styrene) is produced from ethylbenzene in a gas-phase equilibrium.

Figure for Question IB Chemistry SL 2.4.5 Addition Polymers Questions question 1 — IB Chemistry SL

(a)

Complete the diagram to show the repeating unit of polystyrene.

Figure for Question (a) — IB Chemistry SL

[ 2 ]

correct structure
continuation bonds «through brackets»

Accept $\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5}$ for benzene ring.

Repeating unit: –CH(C6H5)–CH2–. Enclose the repeating unit in brackets with subscript n outside, and extend both backbone continuation bonds through the brackets. C6H5 denotes the phenyl group attached to the CH carbon.

(b)

State the type of polymerization that occurs.

[ 1 ]

All question bank results loaded

IB Chemistry SL 2.4.5 Addition Polymers Questions question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)