Question

Which monomer and which type of initiator can you use to synthesize each of the following polymers?

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Short answer

a. The monomer used to synthesize the polymer is given below.

The initiator used in this cationic polymerization is \(B{F_3} + {H_2}O\).

b. The monomer used to synthesize this polymer is given below.

The initiator used in this cationic polymerization is \(B{F_3} + {H_2}O\).

c. The monomer used to synthesize the polymer is given below.

The initiator used in this anionic polymerization is \(C{H_3}{O^ - }\).

d. The monomer used to synthesize the polymer is given below.

The initiator used in this polymerization is BuLi.

Step-by-step solution

Monomer

A monomer constitutes a simple molecule comprising two or several binding sites. Several monomers combine to form polymers.Some examples of monomers include vinyl chloride and adipic acid.

The monomer and initiator used to synthesize the following polymer

a. The monomer used to synthesize the given polymer is 2-methylprop-1-ene. The structure is given below.

Structure of polymer a

The initiator used in this cationic polymerization is \(B{F_3} + {H_2}O\)

b. The monomer used to synthesize the given polymer is 1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one. The structure is given below.

Structure of polymer b

The initiator used in this cationic polymerization is \(B{F_3} + {H_2}O\).

c. The monomer used to synthesize the given polymer is oxirane. The structure is given below.:

Structure of polymer c

The initiator used in this anionic polymerization is \(C{H_3}{O^ - }\) .

d. The monomer used to synthesize the given polymer is methyl acrylate. The structure is given below.

Structure of polymer d

The initiator used in this polymerization is BuLi.

The monomer used to synthesize each polymer and the initiator used in the polymerization are found.