Question

Write a balanced chemical equation to represent the addition polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene. The product of this reaction is Teflon

Short answer

The reaction showing the formation of Teflon is:

Formation of Teflon

Step-by-step solution

High-density polyethylene

The addition of ethene takes place at each stage within the coordination sphere of the titanium atom, so monomers can add only at the end of the growing chain. The result is linear polyethylene, also called high-density polyethylene.

Explanation

The addition polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene yields Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene). The monomer is tetrafluoroethylene and the polymer obtained is Teflon.

The reaction shows the formation of Teflon from tetrafluoroethylene is shown:

Formation of Teflon