What is the monomer used to make polypropene?

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 used to make polypropene?

Explanation:
Propene is the monomer used to make polypropene. In addition polymerization, the C=C double bond in propene (CH2=CH-CH3) opens and many propene molecules join end-to-end to form long chains. The repeating unit in the polymer is -CH2-CH(CH3)-, reflecting the methyl group from each propene unit along the backbone. This gives polypropylene its characteristic structure. If you started with ethene, you’d get polyethylene; with butene you’d get polybutene; and methene isn’t a practical monomer. So propene is the correct monomer.

Propene is the monomer used to make polypropene. In addition polymerization, the C=C double bond in propene (CH2=CH-CH3) opens and many propene molecules join end-to-end to form long chains. The repeating unit in the polymer is -CH2-CH(CH3)-, reflecting the methyl group from each propene unit along the backbone. This gives polypropylene its characteristic structure. If you started with ethene, you’d get polyethylene; with butene you’d get polybutene; and methene isn’t a practical monomer. So propene is the correct monomer.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy