Question

Write the chemical equation that represents the formation of (a) polychloroprene from chloroprene C=CC(Cl)=CC (Polychloroprene is used in highway-pavement seals, expansion joints, conveyor belts, and wire and cable jackets.); (b) polyacrylonitrile from acrylonitrile (Polyacrylonitrile is used in home furnishings, craft yarns, clothing, and many other items.)

Short answer

(a) The chemical equation for the formation of polychloroprene from chloroprene is: \( n(\mathrm{CH_2=CC(Cl)=CH_2}) \rightarrow -(CH_2-CC(Cl)-CH_2)_n- \) (b) The chemical equation for the formation of polyacrylonitrile from acrylonitrile is: \( n(\mathrm{CH_2=CH-CN}) \rightarrow -(CH_2-CH-CN)_n- \)

Step-by-step solution

(a) Chloroprene

Chloroprene is an organic compound with the molecular formula CH2=CC(Cl)=CH2. It has a double bond between the first two carbon atoms and a single bond between the second and third carbon atoms. There is a chlorine atom attached to the second carbon atom as well.

(b) Acrylonitrile

Acrylonitrile is an organic compound with the molecular formula CH2=CH-CN. It has a double bond between the first two carbon atoms and a nitrile group (-CN) attached to the second carbon atom. #Step 2: Polymerization reactions#

(a) Formation of Polychloroprene from Chloroprene

In order to form polychloroprene, chloroprene molecules undergo a polymerization reaction in which the double bond between the first two carbon atoms breaks and new bonds are formed between adjacent chloroprene molecules. This process continues, resulting in a long chain of chloroprene molecules linked together, which is the polychloroprene polymer.

(b) Formation of Polyacrylonitrile from Acrylonitrile

Similarly, in order to form polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrile molecules undergo a polymerization reaction in which the double bond between the first two carbon atoms breaks and new bonds are formed between adjacent acrylonitrile molecules. This process continues, resulting in a long chain of acrylonitrile molecules linked together, which is the polyacrylonitrile polymer. #Step 3: Write the chemical equations#

(a) Chemical equation for the formation of Polychloroprene

For the formation of polychloroprene, we can represent the polymerization of chloroprene molecules by showing the broken double bond between the first two carbon atoms of each chloroprene molecule and indicating the new bonds formed between adjacent molecules. The equation is as follows: n(CH2=CC(Cl)=CH2) → -(CH2-CC(Cl)-CH2)_n-

(b) Chemical equation for the formation of Polyacrylonitrile

For the formation of polyacrylonitrile, we can represent the polymerization of acrylonitrile molecules by showing the broken double bond between the first two carbon atoms of each acrylonitrile molecule and indicating the new bonds formed between adjacent molecules. The equation is as follows: n(CH2=CH-CN) → -(CH2-CH-CN)_n-

Key concepts

Chemical Equations

Chemical equations are symbolic representations of chemical reactions. They show the reactants on the left side and products on the right side. An arrow points from reactants to products to indicate the direction of the reaction.

These equations are important because they help us understand how substances transform during a chemical reaction. For example, the polymerization reactions in this exercise form long-chain polymers from monomers.

Writing chemical equations involves a few steps:

• Identifying the reactants and products.
• Using molecular formulas to represent each substance.
• Ensuring the equation is balanced so that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides.

In the equations provided, you’ll see how chloroprene and acrylonitrile undergo reactions to form polychloroprene and polyacrylonitrile, respectively.

Polychloroprene

Polychloroprene, also known as Neoprene, is a synthetic rubber widely used in various industries. The process of creating it involves polymerization from chloroprene, which is essentially linking together multiple chloroprene units.

The chemical equation for forming polychloroprene illustrates this linking process: \[ n( ext{CH}_2= ext{CC(Cl)}= ext{CH}_2) \rightarrow -( ext{CH}_2- ext{CC(Cl)}- ext{CH}_2)_n- \] Chloroprene molecules break their double bonds and form new bonds with adjacent molecules, creating a long, durable polymer chain.

This material is prized for its flexibility and resistance to degradation, making it ideal for highway-pavement seals, conveyor belts, and other applications.

Polyacrylonitrile

Polyacrylonitrile is a versatile polymer formed from the polymerization of acrylonitrile. Its high strength and durability make it useful in a variety of applications, including textiles and carbon fiber production.

The process of forming polyacrylonitrile involves breaking the double bonds in acrylonitrile and connecting the molecules to form a polymer chain.

The chemical equation that details this transformation is: \[ n( ext{CH}_2= ext{CH}- ext{CN}) \rightarrow -( ext{CH}_2- ext{CH}- ext{CN})_n- \] This polymer is highly valued for its stability and is used extensively in clothing and home furnishings. Polyacrylonitrile's adaptability stems from its ability to form strong molecular bonds, enhancing its performance in various settings.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are primarily based on carbon atoms and can include elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and more. They are the foundation of life and make up the majority of the chemical substances found in living organisms.

Chloroprene and acrylonitrile, being organic compounds, contain carbon chains and functional groups that define their chemical properties. In chloroprene, the chlorine atom attached to the carbon chain significantly alters its reactivity, making it suitable for polymerization.

Acrylonitrile's nitrile group (-CN) is another functional feature that influences its behavior during polymerization. Both these compounds showcase the versatility of organic chemistry, demonstrating how small changes in structure can lead to vastly different materials with unique properties.

Understanding organic compounds is crucial in fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and biochemistry, as it guides the synthesis and application of a wide range of chemical substances.