Q31E - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Glyptal is a highly cross-linked thermosetting resin produced by heating glycerol and phthalic anhydride (1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid anhydride). Show the structure of a representative segment of glyptal.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The formation of the glyptal structure of a representative segment is shown in the polymerization reaction given below:

Step 1: Condensation polymerization

Polymerization is defined as a process in which two or more molecules participate in a chemical reaction and form long polymer chain.

Condensation polymerization refers to a form of step-growth polymerization where small monomers or entities react with each other to form larger structural units with bi-products such as water or methanol molecule. The product obtained from this copolymerization reaction referred to as a condensate product.

Step 2: Glyptal

Glyptal refers to the polymer formed by the copolymerization of ethylene glycol and phthalic anhydride. It is used as a binding material like cement. 

Glyptal is thermoplastic polyester resins formed by heating polyhydric alcohols with polybasic acids or their anhydrides.

Step 3: Determine the structure of a representative segment of glyptal

Glyptal is thermoplastic polyester resins formed by heating polyhydric alcohols with polybasic acids or their anhydrides. The formation of the glyptal structure of a representative segment is shown in the polymerization reaction given below: