Question

An addition polymerization forms the polymer originally used as Saran" wrap. It has the following structure \(+\mathrm{CCl}_{2}-\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{J}_{n} .\) Draw the structure of the monomer.

Short answer

The monomer used in the addition polymerization to form the given polymer has the structure \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}=\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\). The repeating unit in the polymer is \(\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\mathrm{CH}_{2}\). The monomer's structure can be drawn as: ``` H Cl \ / C=C / \ H Cl ```

Step-by-step solution

Identify the repeating unit in the polymer

The given polymer structure is \(+\mathrm{CCl}_{2}-\mathrm{CH}_{2}\mathrm{J}_{n}\). The repeating unit in this polymer is \(\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\mathrm{CH}_{2}\). This unit is present 'n' number of times in the polymer chain.

Determine the structure of the monomer

To find the structure of the monomer, we need to look at the repeating unit in the polymer and figure out which molecule would undergo addition polymerization to create this repeating unit. We can see that there is one carbon atom with two chlorine atoms attached (CCl2) and another carbon atom with two hydrogen atoms attached (CH2). The monomer would be formed by "splitting" this repeating unit such that one bond of each carbon atom is free for polymerization. Therefore, the monomer would contain a double bond between two carbon atoms, one with two hydrogen atoms and the other with two chlorine atoms. Hence, the monomer's structure will be \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}=\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\).

Draw the structure of the monomer

Based on the determined structure \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}=\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\), we can now draw the monomer: ``` H Cl \ / C=C / \ H Cl ``` This is the structure of the monomer that undergoes addition polymerization to create the polymer originally used as Saran wrap.

Key concepts

Monomer Structure

Monomers are the building blocks of polymers. Understanding their structure is fundamental in polymer chemistry, as it reveals how polymers are formed through chemical reactions. For the given polymer, identified by the repeating unit \(\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\mathrm{CH}_{2}\), finding the monomer involves determining which small molecule would come together through addition polymerization to form the polymer.

A monomer that polymerizes to form this repeating unit typically has a double bond, allowing it to connect with others. In this case, the monomer structure is \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}=\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\). This configuration includes one carbon atom with two chlorine atoms and another carbon atom with two hydrogens. The presence of the carbon-carbon double bond in the monomer is crucial, as it enables the monomers to join, forming long chains.

Understanding monomer structure helps predict the polymer's properties and behavior during polymerization.

Polymer Chemistry

Polymer chemistry is a fascinating branch of chemistry focused on the study and manipulation of polymers. Polymers are large, complex molecules made up of repeating structural units called monomers. These monomers are chemically bonded together in a process called polymerization.

Addition polymerization is a type of polymerization process where monomers with a carbon-carbon double bond react to form a polymer. It involves three main stages: initiation, propagation, and termination. During initiation, an active site is generated on a monomer, prompting it to join with another monomer. In propagation, these active sites continuously add more monomers, extending the polymer chain. Lastly, termination occurs when the growth of the polymer chain is halted.

An important aspect of polymer chemistry is how it explains the properties of materials. For example, the polymer created from the monomer \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}=\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\) is used in products like Saran wrap because of its strength and flexibility. These properties are a direct result of the polymer's molecular structure.

Repetition Unit Identification

In polymer science, identifying the repetition unit is crucial because it represents the smallest repeated section of the polymer chain. This is the key to understanding both the structure and characteristics of the whole polymer. In the given example, the repetition unit is \(\mathrm{CCl}_{2}\mathrm{CH}_{2}\), emphasizing how structural arrangement impacts polymer properties.

Recognizing the repetition unit allows chemists to depict polymer structures easily. It also aids in predicting how the polymer will behave under different conditions, ranging from chemical reactions to physical stresses. When you see a polymer like the one used in Saran wrap, you're observing countless numbers of these tiny repetition units linked together.

Each repetition unit contributes to the polymer's overall stability and functionality. The unique arrangement of atoms within the repetition unit, like the chlorine and hydrogen atoms in this example, gives the polymer its distinctive features, affecting both its chemical resistance and mechanical strength.