What is the monomer for polythene?

Prepare for your IGCSE Organic Chemistry exam with our engaging test. Utilize multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Start your path to exam success today!

Multiple Choice

What is the monomer for polythene?

Explanation:
Polythene is made by addition polymerization, where many alkene molecules join together as the double bonds open to form a long chain. The repeating unit in polythene comes from ethene (C2H4); when its double bond opens, the units join to give a chain with repeating -CH2-CH2- segments. So the monomer is ethene. Other options would lead to different polymers (propene gives polypropylene with a side methyl group, butene gives polybutene, and methane isn’t an alkene and can’t form this polymer).

Polythene is made by addition polymerization, where many alkene molecules join together as the double bonds open to form a long chain. The repeating unit in polythene comes from ethene (C2H4); when its double bond opens, the units join to give a chain with repeating -CH2-CH2- segments. So the monomer is ethene. Other options would lead to different polymers (propene gives polypropylene with a side methyl group, butene gives polybutene, and methane isn’t an alkene and can’t form this polymer).

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy