Problem 11 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

Answer the following questions regarding the formation of polymers. a. What structural features must be present in a monomer in order to form a homopolymer polyester? b. What structural features must be present in the monomers in order to form a copolymer polyamide? (Hint: Nylon is an example of a polyamide. When the monomers link together to form nylon, an amide functional group results from each linkage.) c. What structural features must be present in a monomer that can form both an addition polymer and a condensation polymer?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. A monomer must have a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and an alcohol group (-OH) to form a homopolymer polyester. b. One monomer must have an amino group (-NH2) and the other monomer must have a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) to form a copolymer polyamide. c. A monomer capable of forming both addition and condensation polymers must have a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) and at least one functional group, such as carboxylic acid (-COOH), alcohol (-OH), or amino group (-NH2).

Step 1: Identify the functional groups necessary for polyester formation

To form a homopolymer polyester, the monomer must have two functional groups: a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and an alcohol group (-OH).

Step 2: Describe the reaction between these functional groups

The carboxylic acid group and the alcohol group react in a condensation polymerization process, resulting in the formation of an ester linkage and the release of a water molecule. This reaction is called esterification.

Step 3: Summarize the structural features for a homopolymer polyester

A monomer capable of forming a homopolymer polyester must have both a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and an alcohol group (-OH) to undergo esterification during condensation polymerization. #b. Copolymer Polyamide#

Step 1: Identify the functional groups necessary for polyamide formation

To form a copolymer polyamide, one monomer must have an amino group (-NH2) while the other monomer must have a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).

Step 2: Describe the reaction between these functional groups

The amino group from one monomer reacts with the carboxylic acid group from the other monomer in a condensation polymerization process. An amide linkage is formed, and a water molecule is released. This reaction is called amidation.

Step 3: Summarize the structural features for a copolymer polyamide

One monomer must have an amino group (-NH2) and the other monomer must have a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) to undergo amidation during condensation polymerization and form a copolymer polyamide. #c. Monomer for Both Addition and Condensation Polymers#

Step 1: Identify the functional groups necessary for addition polymerization

To form an addition polymer, the monomer must have a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C), which can undergo an addition reaction during polymerization.

Step 2: Identify the functional groups necessary for condensation polymerization

As discussed above, to form condensation polymers, the monomer must have functional groups like carboxylic acid (-COOH), alcohol (-OH), or amino group (-NH2) that can react with other monomers.

Step 3: Summarize the structural features for a monomer that can form both an addition and condensation polymer

A monomer capable of forming both an addition and condensation polymer must have a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) and at least one functional group, such as carboxylic acid (-COOH), alcohol (-OH), or amino group (-NH2), that can participate in the respective polymerization reactions.