Question

Indicate whether the following statement is true or false: For an addition polymerization, there are no by-products of the reaction (assuming 100\(\%\) yield).

Short answer

The statement is true. In an addition polymerization, monomers with reactive groups react with each other to form a polymer chain without the formation of any by-products, and the exercise assumes a 100% yield, further supporting the claim.

Step-by-step solution

Understand addition polymerization

Addition polymerization is a type of polymerization in which monomers with a double bond or another reactive group react with each other to form a chain of polymers. The process involves the breaking of the double bond in the monomer, which then forms a bond with another monomer unit. This process continues until all the monomers have reacted, forming a long polymer chain.

Identify absence or presence of by-products

In addition polymerization, the reactive groups of the monomers react with each other, forming a strong bond to create a large polymer chain. No additional molecules or substances are released in this process, which means that there are no by-products formed during the reaction.

Consider the 100% yield

Since the exercise assumes a 100% yield, this indicates that every monomer involved in the reaction is completely converted to the polymer. This further supports the claim that there are no by-products. In practical terms, a 100% yield is not always achieved, but the exercise presumes an ideal situation.

Conclude whether the statement is true or false

Given the understanding of addition polymerization and considering a 100% yield, we can conclude that the statement "For an addition polymerization, there are no by-products of the reaction (assuming 100% yield)" is true.

Key concepts

Monomer

In the realm of chemistry, a monomer is a small, simple molecule that can transform into a larger structure by bonding with other monomer molecules. Much like individual beads on a string, monomers are the building blocks that link together to form polymers. Monomers are typically characterized by their reactive functional groups, which allow them to participate in chemical reactions.

For example, in addition polymerization, monomers with double bonds are key players because these bonds can easily be "opened" or broken. This opening makes it possible for monomers to link together in a chain, forming a polymer. The important takeaway is that monomers must have at least one reactive group that allows them to bond with other monomers. These reactive groups are often double or triple bonds, or specific functional groups, that facilitate bonding under suitable reaction conditions.

Understanding monomers is essential, as different types of monomers will lead to the formation of diverse kinds of polymers, each with unique properties and uses.

Polymer Chain

A polymer chain is a long and repeating sequence of units created by the chemical reaction of monomers bonding together. When we think of polymers, imagine a never-ending series of links, where each link is a monomer that has bonded to the next. This sequence can repeat thousands of times, resulting in a large macromolecule.

In an addition polymerization, the polymer chain grows as each new monomer adds to the end of the chain. With no by-products in this type of reaction, the process is clean and efficient. The polymer chain's length and properties can vary greatly, depending on the type of monomers used and the conditions of the polymerization process. This diversity means that polymer chains can be tailored for a wide range of applications, from plastics to synthetic fibers and more.

• Formation: Monomers link to form a chain.
• Characteristics: Chain length affects properties.
• Applications: Used in plastics, textiles, etc.

Understanding how polymer chains form and behave helps in designing materials with specific qualities for various uses.

Chemical Reaction Yield

The concept of chemical reaction yield is an important one in the process of polymer production. In simple terms, yield refers to the amount of product formed in a reaction compared to the theoretical maximum amount possible. In our context, we consider a 100% yield, meaning all the monomers are fully converted into the polymer, with no waste or by-products.

In practical scenarios, achieving a 100% yield is rare due to various factors like incomplete reactions or side reactions that produce unwanted by-products. However, in an ideal addition polymerization, specifically discussed in our exercise, a 100% yield means that the entire batch of monomers has successfully transformed into the polymer chain.

This is why, under the assumption of a 100% yield in addition polymerization, it's concluded that no by-products are formed. By understanding yield, one can gauge the efficiency of a chemical reaction, which is crucial in both industrial and laboratory settings. Yield aids in identifying how to optimize conditions for maximum production, which is a key aspect in chemical manufacturing.