IGCSE Chemistry Edexcel 4CH1

4: (h) Synthetic polymers

#4.44

know that an addition polymer is formed by joining up many small molecules called monomers

#4.45

understand how to draw the repeat unit of an addition polymer, including poly(ethene), poly(propene), poly(chloroethene) and (poly)tetrafluoroethene

#4.46

understand how to deduce the structure of a monomer from the repeat unit of an addition polymer and vice versa

#4.47

explain problems in the disposal of addition polymers, including:

  • their inertness and inability to biodegrade
  • the production of toxic gases when they are burned.
#4.48C

know that condensation polymerisation, in which a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diol, produces a polyester and water

#4.49C

understand how to write the structural and displayed formula of a polyester, showing the repeat unit, given the formulae of the monomers from which it is formed including the reaction of ethanedioic acid and ethanediol:

mtaimg/images/sections/1033/1033-49-1.png/mtaimg

#4.50C

know that some polyesters, known as biopolyesters, are biodegradable

4
(g) Esters