Question

Synthetic rubber (neoprene) is (a) polyamide (b) polyester (c) poly halodiene (d) polysaccharide

Short answer

Neoprene is a poly halodiene.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

We need to identify the category of synthetic rubber, specifically neoprene, from the given options: polyamide, polyester, poly halodiene, or polysaccharide.

Analyze Each Option

Let's analyze the options: Polyamide is known for forming nylon, polyester for making fabric, polysaccharides are carbohydrates like starch. Neoprene is recognized under polymers with halogen atoms, specifically a chloro group from chloroprene.

Determine Neoprene's Category

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber, which is made by polymerizing chloroprene. This process falls under the category of poly halodiene because 'halo' refers to halo groups like chlorine in chloroprene and 'diene' refers to two double bonds in the monomer unit.

Conclusion

The correct category for neoprene is poly halodiene as it best describes the chemical structure and composition needed to synthesize neoprene through the polymerization of chloroprene.

Key concepts

Neoprene

Neoprene is a versatile type of synthetic rubber known for its exceptional properties and wide range of applications. It is especially valued for its resistance to oil, chemicals, UV light, and temperature variations. These attributes make neoprene a popular choice for manufacturing industrial products such as hoses, gaskets, and belts.

Additionally, neoprene is widely used in the production of wetsuits and other aquatic gear due to its excellent thermal insulation. This is because neoprene can trap heat, keeping the body warmer in cold water.

In automotive industries, it is used to make window and door seals because of its durability and flexibility. Overall, the uses of neoprene span numerous industries, highlighting its significance as a durable and reliable material.

Polymerization

Polymerization is a chemical process that binds monomers together to form a polymer chain. This process can occur through various mechanisms, including addition polymerization, which is the specific method used to synthesize neoprene.

In addition polymerization, monomers with double or triple bonds react without the loss of any molecule. This process can rapidly create long chains or networks of monomers.

For neoprene, chloroprene is the monomer that undergoes this polymerization. The transformation involves the joining of chloroprene molecules in a chain, leading to the formation of neoprene, a durable and flexible synthetic rubber.

Poly Halodiene

Poly halodiene is a class of polymers that contain halogen atoms such as chlorine, fluorine, or bromine attached to their molecular structure.

The term 'halodiene' references the two key aspects of neoprene's monomer, chloroprene: 'halo' indicates the presence of a halogen, in this case, chlorine, and 'diene' signifies the two double bonds within the monomer molecule.

These characteristics enable poly halodiene polymers, such as neoprene, to exhibit special properties like increased resistance to harsh environmental conditions. This makes them suitable for applications requiring materials that can withstand high levels of physical and chemical stress.

Chloroprene

Chloroprene is the monomer base used to create neoprene through polymerization. It is a colorless volatile liquid with the formula C₄H₅Cl.

Each chloroprene molecule contains a chlorine atom and two carbon-carbon double bonds, which allow it to link together in long chains during the polymerization process. The presence of chlorine not only adds to the stability of the resulting polymer but also enhances its resistance to oils and chemicals.

Furthermore, the polymerization of chloroprene into neoprene results in a synthetic rubber that is resistant to degradation over time, possesses superior strength, and has a greater capacity to withstand temperature fluctuations. This makes chloroprene a crucial component in creating high-performance synthetic rubber products.