Question

Question: Based on the facts that the free-radical polymerization of ethene is spontaneous and that the polymer molecules are less disorganized than the starting monomers, decide whether the polymerization reaction is exothermic or endothermic. Explain.

Short answer

The free-radical polymerization of ethene reaction is exothermic.

Step-by-step solution

Free radical polymerization

Free radical polymerization is a type of chain growth type of polymerization in which repeated successive addition of free radical occurs to give a polymer.Chain growth polymerization involves 3 steps- Initiation, propagation and termination.

Explanation

As given in the question that the reaction is spontaneous and the resulting polymer is less disorganized than the starting monomer, means that the entropy after the reaction has decreased causing more organized product. This also implies that the total energy content of the product has decreased and heat is evolved dissipating in the surroundings. Hence, the Free radical polymerization of ethene is an exothermic reaction.