DAY THIRTY FIVE

Polymers
Learning & Revision for the Day

u Classification of Polymers u Some Important Polymers

u Methods of Polymerisation u Biodegradable and Non-brodegradable Polymer

The word ‘polymer’ is coined from Greek words : poly means many and mer means unit or
part. These are defined as very large molecules having high molecular mass (103 -107 u).
Polymers are formed by joining of repeating structural units, called monomers, on a large scale.
The monomer units, are linked to each other by covalent bonds. The process of formation of
polymer from respective monomers is called polymerisation.

Classification of Polymers
On the different basis the polymers are classified as follows:

1. On the Basis of Sources

l Natural Polymers These polymers are found in plants and animals, e.g, proteins,
cellulose, starch, resins and rubber, etc.
l Semi-synthetic Polymers These polymers are derived from natural polymers by
chemical methods, e.g. cellulose acetate (rayon), cellulose nitrate, etc.
l Synthetic Polymers These are man-made polymers, e.g. plastic (polythene), synthetic
fibres, buna-S, etc.

2. On the Basis of Structure

l Linear Polymers These polymers consist of long and straight chains, e.g. high density
polythene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.
l Branched Chain Polymers These polymers consist of linear chains with some branches,
e.g. low density polythene.
l Cross-linked or Network Polymers These polymers are formed from bi-functional and
tri-functional monomers and contain strong covalent bonds between various linear
polymeric chains. e.g. bakelite, melamine, etc.

3. On the Basis of Mode of Polymerisation

l Addition Polymers or Chain Growth Polymers These are formed by addition reactions
between monomer molecules having multiple bonds, e.g. polythene, buna-S.
l Condensation Polymers or Step Growth Polymers These are formed by condensation
reaction between two different bi-functional or tri-functional monomeric units with the
elimination of small molecules like NH3 , H2O, etc., e.g. terylene, nylon-6 6, nylon-6, etc.
4. On the Basis of Monomers Involved product. This the process is also known as step growth
polymerisation. These monomers have functional groups
l Homopolymers These are formed by polymerisation of such as alcohol, amine or carboxylic acid groups instead of
single monomeric species, e.g. polythene, polypropene, double bonds.
etc.
l Copolymers These are formed by polymerisation of two 3. Copolymerisation
or more different monomer units, e.g. buna-S, buna-N, etc. When two or more different monomer units are allowed to
polymerise, a copolymer is formed which contains multiple
5. On the Basis of Molecular Forces units of each monomer used, in the same polymeric chain.
l Elastomers These are rubber-like solids with elastic The process by which copolymers are formed is referred to as
properties. They have weak intermolecular forces. copolymerisation.
e.g. buna-S, buna-N, neoprene, etc.
Fibres Fibres are the thread forming solids which
l

possess high tensile strength, high modulus and have

Some Important Polymers
intermolecular hydrogen bonding, e.g. nylon-66, The important examples of addition and copolymers are given
polyesters (terylene), etc. below :
l Thermoplastic Polymers These are the linear or
slightly branched long chain molecules capable of
1. Natural Rubber
softening on heating and hardening on cooling. These It is a natural polymer prepared from rubber latex (colloidal
polymers possess intermolecular forces of attraction, dispersion of rubber in water) obtained from the bark of rubber
intermediate between elastomers and fibres, e.g. tree. It is poly cis-isoprene. It is very soft.
polythene, polystyrene, polyvinyls, etc. H2C H
l Thermosetting Polymers These polymers are cross C C CH2 H
linked or heavily branched molecules which on heating H2C CH2 C C
undergo entensive cross linking in moulds and again CH2
H2C
become infusible. They can’t be reused. e.g. bakelite,
urea-formaldehyde resins, etc. H
CH2
C C
Methods of Polymerisation H2C CH3
The process or technique through which monomer units l Natural rubber becomes soft at high temperature
combine to give a polymer is known as polymerisation. The (>335 K) and brittle at low temperature (< 283 K). It has
polymerisation reaction cannot be controlled easily. high water absorbing capacity. It is easily attacked by
These are the following methods through which monomers oxidising agents and soluble in non-polar solvents.
combine to give polymers: l To improve these properties, vulcanisation of rubber is
carried out. The process involves the heating of raw
1. Addition Polymerisation rubber with sulphur and appropriate additive at a
It is the process in which molecules of same or different monomers temperature 373 - 415 K.
combine together to give a polymer without the elimination of l Sulphur forms cross-links at reactive sites of double bonds
small molecules. Since, there is an increase in the length of chain and makes the rubber stiffened. Rubber made with 1-3%
(i.e. chain grows) by this mode of polymerisation, it is also known sulphur is soft and stretchy and rubber made with 3-10%
as chain growth polymerisation. This mode of polymerisation is S, is more rigid (used in making tyres).
observed in monomers having multiple bonds, mainly in
CH2 == CHy type molecules 2. Polythene
(where, y may be  H,  X , CO2 R, CN etc.) It’s monomer is ethylene or ethene.
The addition or chain growth polymerisation can proceed by l Low density polythene (LDP)
the following two mechanisms (i) By the formation of free 350 K -570 K
radicals, i.e. free radical polymerisation and (ii) By the n(CH2 ==CH2 ) → (CH2 CH2 
)n
1000 to 2000 atm LDP
formation of ionic species, i.e. ionic polymerisation. (Traces of oxygen or a
peroxide initiator)

2. Condensation Polymerisation It is tough, flexible, transparent, chemically inert as well

In this mode of polymerisation, there is a repetitive as poor conductor of electricity. It has moderate tensile
condensation reaction between two bi-functional monomers strength but good tearing strength.
in a controlled stepwise manner with the elimination of small It is used in the insulation of electricity carrying wires and
molecules such as water, ammonia, alcohol, etc., as by manufacture of queeze bottles, toys and flexible pipes.
 l High density polyethylene (HDP) 7. Polyacrylonitrile
333−343 K
n(CH2 ==CH2 ) → 
( CH2 CH2 —
)n It is obtained by the polymerisation of acrylonitrile in the
6 −7 atm presence of peroxide.
( Ziegler -Natta
catalyst) CN
Polymerisation 
It has high density due to close packing. It is also chemically n(CH2 == CHCN) → [ CH2  C H  ]n
inert and more tougher and harder. It is used for making Acrylonitrile (Peroxide catalyst)
Polyacrylonitrile or orlon
containers, house wares, bottles, toys, electric insulation etc.
It is used as a substitute for wool in making commercial
3. Polystyrene (styrene) fibres as orlon or acrilan.
It’s monomers are styrene molecules. It is thermoplastic. It is
used for making toys, radio and TV cabinets. 8. Neoprene
It is an addition homopolymer of chloroprene. It is fire
   
  (C H COO)   resistant.
n CH == CH2  →   CH CH2  Cl
2 5 2

  Benzoyl peroxide    Polymerisation

C H   C H  nCH2 C CH CH2
 6 5   6 5 n Cl
Styrene Chloroprene
CH2 C CH CH2
4. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) n
Neoprene
It’s monomer is vinyl chloride.
It is used as an insulator, making conveyor belts, gaskets,
    hoses and printing rollers.
   
Dibenzoyl
n CH2 == C H2  →   CH2 CH  Examples of Addition Copolymers
  peroxide   
    
 Cl   Cl n l Buna-S or styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is addition
Chloroethene PVC copolymer of 1, 3-butadiene and styrene.
(Vinyl chloride) CH CH2
It is used for making rain coats, toys, electrical insulation. It
is hard and resistant to heat and chemicals. nCH2 CH CH CH2 +
1,3-butadiene
5. Polypropylene (PP) Styrene
It is obtained by polymerising propylene in the presence of
Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

 CH3 H  CH3 H  CH2 CH CH CH2 CH2 CH

n
   Polymerisation     Styrene butadiene rubber
n C == C  →  C  C  It is used in making automobile tyres and footwears.
     
H H  H H  l Buna-N or nitrile rubber It is an addition copolymer of
  n 1, 3-butadiene and acrylonitrile.
Propylene Polypropylene (PP) CN
6. Polytetrafluoroethene (Teflon) Copolymerisation
nCH2 CH CH CH2 + nCH2 CH
It’s monomer is tetrafluoro carbon. 1, 3-butadiene Acrylonitrile CN
Catalyst
n(CF2 == CF2 ) → 
[ CF2 CF2 
]n CH2 CH CH CH2 CH2 CH
Tetrafluoroethene High pressure Teflon n
Buna–N
It is chemically inert and resistant to attack by corrosive It is used in making oil seals, manufacture of hoses and
reagent. It is used in making oil seals, gaskets and also for tank linings.
non-stick surface coated utensils.
Examples of Condensation 2. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
It is a polyester (polymer which contain ester linkage) and
Homopolymers prepared by the polymerisation of methylmethacrylate in the
Nylon-6 It is polyamide and obtained by heating caprolactum presence of suitable organic peroxide.
with water at a high temperature.  CH3  Organic  CH3 
   peroxide   
O NOH n CH2 == C  COOCH3  → CH2  C 
    
   COOCH3
Oxidation NH2OH    n
Methylmethacrylate PMMA
O2
The polymer is known by several commercial names such as
Cyclohexanone Cyclohexanoxime lucite, acrylite, plexiglass and perspex. It is a hard and
O transparent polymer and is quite resistant to the effect of light,
heat and ageing. It is used, in the manufacture of unbreakable
C lights, protective coatings, dentures, and in making windows
H2C NH
for aircrafts.
H2SO4
CH2
(Beckmann 3. Glyptal
rearrangement) H2C CH2 It is a polyester having crosslinks. It is a thermosetting plastic.
CH2 It is obtained by condensation of ethylene glycol and phthalic
Caprolactum acid or glycerol.
O HOOC COOH

C
H2C NH HO — CH2 — CH2 — OH + n
H2O Heat Ethylene glycol
CH2 H2N(CH2)5COOH Phthalic acid
Heat
H2 C –nH2O Heat
CH2
O O O
CH2
Caprolactum —HN—(CH2)5—C—
n O—CH2—CH2—O—C C
Nylon-6

n
Examples of Condensation Copolymers
Glyptal
1. Nylon-6,6
When its solution in a suitable solvent is evaporated, it leaves
It is polyamide (polymer which contain an amide linkage) and a tough but non-flexible film. It is, therefore, used in the
obtained by the condensation of adipic acid and manufacture of paints and lacquers.
hexamethylenediamine with the elimination of water
molecule. 4. Terylene (Dacron)
O O It is a condensation product of ethylene glycol and
  terephthalic acid. Polymerisation is carried out at 420 to 460
nH2 N(CH2 )6 NH2 + n HO  C (CH2)4  C OH
Adipic acid K in the presence of catalytic mixture of zinc acetate and
Hexamethylenediamine
antimony trioxide.
H H O O O O
– nH2O   
→ 
( N (CH2 )6  N  C (CH2 )4  C )n HOCH2CH2 OH + nH O—C— —C— OH
Nylon- 6, 6
Ethylene glycol
Terephthalic acid
In the above case, the carbon atoms are 6 in each case,
Polymerisation
therefore the product is described as nylon-6,6.
It is a linear polymer and has very high tensile strength. It O O
shows good resistance to abrasion. Nylon-66 is usually —O—CH2CH2O—C— —C—
fabricated into sheets. It is used in bristles for brushes and in
textile.
Terylene or dacron
n
 l It is highly resistant to the action of chemical and biological NHCH2
HN N
agents. Its fibres are quite strong and durable. It can also be Polymerisation
blended with wool or cotton to obtain fabrics of desired N N
composition.
l It is used in the manufacture of a variety of clothes such as NH1
terycot, terywool and terysilk as a result of blending with n
other yerns. It is also used for preparing magnetic recording (Melamine-formaldehyde polymer)
tapes, conveyer belts, aprons for industrial workers etc.
It is used in the manufacture of unbreakable crockery.
5. Phenol-formaldehyde polymer (Bakelite)
7. Urea-formaldehyde Resin
It’s monomers phenol (C 6H5OH) and formaldehyde (HCHO).
It’s monomers are urea (NH2CONH2 ) and formaldehyde
OH OH OH (HCHO).
CH2OH It is used for making unbreakable cups and laminated
OH–
+ HCHO + sheets.
or H+
Formaldehyde o-hydroxy
Phenol
benzyl CH2OH Biodegradable and
alcohol p-hydroxy
benzyl
Non-biodegradable Polymers
alcohol l Biodegradable polymers are the polymers which are
degraded by micro-organisms with in a suitable period
The ortho and para substituted phenols undergo polymerisation
so that these polymers and their degraded products do
to produce bakelite.
not cause any serious affect on the environment e.g.,
OH OH l Poly β - hydroxybutyrate-co - β - Hydroxy Valerate
CH2OH
Polymerisation (PHBV) It’s monomers are 3-hydroxy butanoic acid. and
n + n
–n H2O 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid.

CH2OH CH3 CH CH2 COOH + CH3 CH2 CH CH2 COOH

OH OH OH OH OH
H2C CH2 CH2 CH2 3-hydrobutanoic 3-hydroxy
acid pentanoic
acid

O CH CH2 C O CH CH2 C + (2n–1)H2O

CH2 CH2 CH2
CH3 O CH2CH3 O n

It is used in the speciality packaging, orthopaedic

devices and in controlled release of drugs.
H2C CH2 CH2 CH2
OH OH l Nylon-2-nylon-6 It’s monomers are glycine
Bakelite (Cross-linked polymer) (H2 N—CH2 COOH) and amino caproic acid
[H2 N—(CH2 )5COOH].
It is used for making combs, phonograph records, electrical
switches, and handles of various utensils. nH2N––CH2––COOH + nH2N––(CH2)5––COOH

6. Melamine-formaldehyde Polymer HN––CH2––C––HN––(CH2)––C + (2n – 1)H2O

5
It’s monomers are melamine and formaldehyde (HCHO).
O O
H2N N NH2 H2N N NHCH2OH Nylon-2-nylon-6
+ HCHO The polymers that do not degraded by microorganisms
N N N N
Formaldehyde within a suitable period of time are known as
non-biodegradable polymers.
H2N NH2
[Intermediate] e.g. polystyrene, polypropene, polythene etc.
Melamine
408 40 DAYS ~ NEET CHEMISTRY DAY THIRTY FIVE

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 1

FOUNDATION QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 Polymer formation from monomers starts by 6 Three dimensional molecules with cross links are formed
(a) hydrolysis of monomers in the case of a
(b) conversion of monomer to monomer ions by protons (a) thermoplastic
(c) condensation reaction between monomers (b) thermosetting plastic
(d) coordination reaction between monomers (c) Both (a) and (b)
2 Mark out the most unlike form of polymerisation of (d) None of the above
CH2 == CH  CH == CH2 7 Which one of the following is a chain growth polymer?
(a) Starch (b) Nucleic acid
 H 
CH2  (c) Polystyrene (d) Protein
(a)  C== C 
CH
 2 H n 8 Teflon, PVC and neoprene are all
 H (a) copolymers (b) condensation polymers
H 
(b)  C== C  (c) homopolymers (d) monomers
CH
 2 CH2 
n 9 Teflon polymer is formed by the polymerisation of
 CH== CH CH== CH (a) CH2 ==CH CN (b) Cl 2C ==CH2
(c)   (c) F2C ==CF2 (d) H2C ==CHCl
 CH2  CH  CH2  CH 
 n 10 The process involving heating of rubber with sulphur is
called
 CH CH 
(a) galvanisation (b) vulcanisation
(d) 
2 2
 (c) bessemerisation (d) sulphonation
 C  C n
11 Which of the following organic compounds polymerises
to form the polyester dacron? ª CBSE-AIPMT 2014
 CH 3 CH 3 
    (a) Propylene and para HO — (C 6H4 ) — OH
3  CH C  CH C 
  is a polymer having (b) Benzoic acid and ethanol
 2

2
  (c) Terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol
  (d) Benzoic acid and para HO — (C 6H4 ) — OH
 CH 3 CH 3  n
monomer units. 12 Natural rubber has ª NEET 2016, Phase I
(a) All trans-configuration
(a) (b) (b) Alternate cis - and trans-configuration
(c) Random cis - and trans-configuration
(d) All cis-configuration
(c) (d) 13 Which of the monomer of neoprene in the following?
(a) CH2 ==C  CH == CH2 ª NEET 2013
4 Regarding cross-linked or network polymers, which of the |
following statements is incorrect? ª NEET 2018 CH3
(a) Examples are bakelite and melamine (b) CH2 == C  CH ==CH2
|
(b) They are formed from bi- and tri-functional monomers
Cl
(c) They contain covalent bonds between various linear
(c) CH2 == CH C ≡≡ CH
polymer chains
(d) They contain strong covalent bonds in their polymer (d) CH2 == CH CH ==CH2
chains
14 Which of the following is used to make non-stick
5 Cellulose acetate is a cookware?
(a) natural polymer (a) PVC
(b) semi-synthetic polymer (b) Polystyrene
(c) synthetic polymer (c) Polyethylene
(d) plasticiser (d) Polytetrafluoroethylene
15 The catalyst used in the manufacture of polythene by 24 Thermosetting polymer, bakelite is formed by the
Ziegler-Natta method is reaction of phenol with
(a) titanium tetra chloride and triethyl aluminium (a) CH3CH2CHO (b) CH3CHO
(b) titanium oxide (c) HCHO (d) HCOOH
(c) lithium tetrachloride and triphenyl aluminium
25 Of the following which one is classified as polyester
(d) titanium iso-peroxide
polymer? ª CBSE-AIPMT 2011
16 Which of the following is an addition polymer? (a) Bakelite (b) Melamine
(a) Buna-S (b) Bakelite (c) Nylon-6, 6 (d) Terylene
(c) Nylon-6 (d) Malamac
26 Which one of the following is not a condensation
17 Which one of the following structures represents polymer? ª CBSE-AIPMT 2012
nylon-6, 6 polymer? ª NEET 2016, Phase II (a) Melamine (b) Glyptal
H2 H H2 H (c) Dacron (d) Neoprene
C C C C
27 Which of the following represents the example of
(a)
homopolymer?
NH2 CH3
66 (a) PMMA (b) Nylon-6, 6
H2 H H2 H (c) Dacron (d) Bakelite
C C C C
(b) 28 Which one of the following is an example of
NH2 NH3 thermosetting polymer? ª CBSE-AIPMT 2014
66
H2 H H2 H (a) —( CH2 C==CH CH2 
)n
H2 H H2 H
C C C C
C C C C 
(c)
6
CH2 COOH (b)  ( CH2 CH  )n
NH2 Cl
6 
O Cl
H H H O O
H2
C N (CH2)6 NH    
(d) C C C (c) 
( N (CH2 )6 N C (CH2 )4 C )n
H2 2

O n
 OH OH 
 
18 The monomers of buna-S rubber are  CH2 CH2 

(d)
(a) vinyl chloride and sulphur  
 
(b) butadiene  n
(c) styrene and butadiene
(d) isoprene and butadiene
29 Which of the following polymers can have strong
19 Inter-particle forces present in nylon-6, 6 are intermolecular forces?
(a) van der Waals’ forces I. Nylon II. Polystyrene
(b) dipole-dipole interactions
(c) H-bonding III. Rubber IV. Polyesters
(d) None of the above The correct answer is
20 Which factor imparts crystalline nature to a polymer like (a) I and IV (b) II and III
(c) I and III (d) All of these
nylon?
(a) Hydrogen bonding (b) Covalent bonding 30 Copolymer is
(c) Ionic bonding (d) All of the above (a) nylon-6,6 (b) nylon-6
21 For the formation of terylene, the number of moles of (c) PMMA (d) polythene
ethylene glycol required per mole of terephthalic acid is 31 Among cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, nylon and natural
(a) 1 (b) 2 rubber, the polymer in which the intermolecular force of
(c) 3 (d) 4 attraction is weakest is
22 Nylon is an example of ª NEET 2013 (a) nylon (b) polyvinyl chloride
(c) cellulose (d) natural rubber
(a) polysaccharide (b) polyamide
(c) polythene (d) polyester 32 Which of these is not a monomer for a high molecular
23 Glyptal polymer is obtained from glycol by reacting with mass silicone polymer? ª NEET 2013

(a) malonic acid (b) phthalic acid (a) Me 2SiCl 2 (b) Me 3SiCl
(c) maleic acid (d) terephthalic acid (c) PhSiCl 3 (d) MeSiCl 3
33 Which of the following is a biodegradable polymer? II. Glycine + amino caproic acid
(a) Cellulose (b) Polythene III. Ethylene glycol + phthalic acid
(c) Polyvinyl chloride (d) Nylon-6
IV. Caprolactam
34 Which of the following monomers form biodegradable The correct answer is
polymers? (a) I and II (b) II and III
I. 3-hydroxybutanoic acid + 3-hydroxypentanoic acid (c) I, II and III (d) All of these

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 2

PROGRESSIVE QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 Acrilan is a hard, horny and a high melting material. 4 Name the polymer which obtained from CHCl3 as
Which of the following represents its structure? follows,
800° C
  CH2  CH     CH2  CH   CHCl3  HF

→ X     → Plastic
→ Y  Polymerisation
(a)    (b)    SbF3
 COOC2H5  n  Cl  n (a) bakelite (b) teflon
 CH3  (c) polythene (d) nylon-6,6
  CH2  CH     
5 Which of the following process is adopted for the
(c)    (d)   CH2  C 
    industrial manufacture of high density polyethylene?
CN  n  COOCH3  (a) Free radical liquid phase polymerisation
 n
(b) Free radical gas phase polymerisation
2 Which one of the following statements is not true? (c) Anionic polymerisation
(a) Natural rubber has the trans–configuration at every (d) Zeigler-Natta or oxide catalysed polymerisation
double bond 6 In which of the following polymers, empirical formula
(b) Buna-S is a copolymer of butadiene and styrene resembles with monomer?
(c) Natural rubber is a 1,4-polymer of isoprene.
(a) Bakelite (b) Teflon
(d) In vulcanisation, the formation of sulphur bridges between (c) Nylon-6,6 (d) Dacron
different chains make rubber harder and stronger.
7 Given the polymers,
3 Which one of the following is not correctly matched? A = Nylon 6 6; B = Buna-S; C = Polythene.
(a) Neoprene 
 CH C == CHCH 

 2 2 Arrange these in increasing order of their
  
 Cl n intermolecular forces (lower to higher).
O O  (a) A < B < C (b) B > C > A

    (c) B < C < A (d) A < C < B
(b) Nylon-6, 6 

 NH(CH2 )6 NH C (CH2 )4 C  n 8 The monomers of the following polymer are
O O HN N NH––CH2
(c) Terylene OCH2CH2C C
N N
n
 
 CH3  N
 
  
(d) PMMA 
 CH2 — C  
 H n
 
  
 C OCH3  (a) hexamethylene diamine and decanedioic acid
 
   (b) hexamethylene diamine and methanal
 
 O n (c) melamine and methanal
(d) melamine and ethanal
 9 Polystyrene, dacron and orlon are classified H O
respectively as N O
C
(a) chain growth; step growth; step growth
O
(c) (d)
(b) chain growth; chain growth; step growth
(c) chain growth; step growth; chain growth
(d) step growth; step growth; chain growth 14. The bakelite is made from phenol and formaldehyde. The
10 Head-to-tail addition takes place in chain-growth initial reaction between the two compounds is an
polymerisation when monomer is example of
(a) aromatic electrophilic substitution
(a) CH2 CH (b) CH2 CH CH CH2 (b) aromatic nucleophilic substitution
(c) free radical reaction
(d) aldol reaction
(c) CH2 ==C — COCH3 (d) CH2 ==CH  C ≡≡ N
  15. Identify from the following monomers, which will undergo
CH3 O
condensation polymerisation.
11 The rubber used for manufacturing types is vulcanised
with I. H2C == CH CH == CH2
(a) 3% S (b) 7% S CO
(c) 1% S (d) All of these can be used
 2H

12 The polymer used in Orthopaedic devices and in

II. III. H2C == CHCl
controlled drug release is
(a) Orlon (b) PTFE (c) SBR (d) PHBV 
CO2H
O
H2SO4
13 + NH2OH A B H


N
The product B is CO
O IV.

NOH V. F2C == CF2 VI. (H3C) 2 C == CH2

(a) (b)
(a) Both III and V (b) Both I and III
(c) Both I and VI (d) Both II and IV

ANSWERS
SESSION 1 1 (c) 2 (d) 3 (a) 4 (d) 5 (b) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (c) 9 (c) 10 (b)
11 (c) 12 (d) 13 (b) 14 (d) 15 (a) 16 (a) 17 (d) 18 (c) 19 (c) 20 (a)
21 (a) 22 (b) 23 (b) 24 (c) 25 (d) 26 (d) 27 (a) 28 (d) 29 (a) 30 (a)
31 (d) 32 (b) 33 (a) 34 (a)

SESSION 2 1 (c) 2 (a) 3 (c) 4 (b) 5 (d) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (c) 9 (c) 10 (d)
11 (b) 12 (d) 13 (c) 14 (a) 15 (d)
412 40 DAYS ~ NEET CHEMISTRY DAY THIRTY FIVE

Hints and Explanations

1 Formation of polymer takes place as a result of condensation
reaction between monomers. CH3 H
C == C CH2 CH2
H3C H
CH2 CH2 C == C
H2C CH2 C == C
CH2 CH2
2 H3C H
—(C——C) — n
Cl
It suggests polymerisation on the lost of vinylic hydrogen atom, |
13 CH2 ==C  CH== CH2 is the monomer of neoprene
which is not possible.
CH3 CH3 Cl
  | Polymerisation
3 ( CH2 C  CH2 C 
)n is a polymer having monomer CH2 ==C  CH == CH2 →
  Chloroprene
CH3 CH3  
CH3  
—CH2  C == CH  CH2  —
units, CH2 == C   
 Cl n
CH3
14 Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) is used to make non-stick
4 Cross-linked or network polymers are formed from bi-functional cookwares.
and tri-functional monomers and contain strong covalent bonds
between various linear polymer chains. These are hard, rigid 15 The catalysts TiCl 4 and (C 2H5 )3 Al are used in the manufacture of
and brittle due to cross-links e.g. bakelite, melamine etc. Thus, polythene by Ziegler-Natta method.
option (d) is incorrect.
16 Buna-S is an example of addition polymer.
5 Cellulose acetate is a semi-synthetic polymer. 17 Nylon-6, 6 polymer is formed as
6 Thermosetting plastics have three dimensional cross linked HOOC—(CH2)4—COOH + H2N—(CH2)6—NH2
structure. Adipic acid Hexamethylene
diamine
7 Chain growth polymerisation requires an initiator to produce a
Polymerisation
free radical to which the monomers are added in a chain fashion.
O O
Initiators are added in small quantities. Polystyrene is an
C—(CH2)4—C—NH— (CH2)6—NH—
example of chain growth polymer because in it, styrene Nylon-6,6
n
molecules are associated in the form of monomer.
Thus, option (d) is correct.
8 Teflon, PVC and neoprene are examples of homopolymers.
18 Buna-S rubber is a polymer of buta-1, 3-diene and styrene.
9 (a) CH2 ==CH CN (acrylonitrile) polymerises to form PAN.
Addition
(b) CH2 ==CHCl (vinyl chloride) polymerises to form PVC. polymerisation
nCH2 ==CH CH==CH2 + nC 6H5CH==CH2 →
(c) F2C==CF2 (tetrafluoroethylene) polymerises to form teflon.
 
10 Vulcanisation is a process of heating the rubber with sulphur.  

—CH2 — CH ==CH — CH2 —CH— CH2—
11 O O  
  
 C H  n
OH  CH2 CH2 OH + nOH  O  C   C  OH 6
Buna -S
5

Ethylene glycol
Terephthalic acid
19 In nylon-6,6 there is H-bonding as inter particle forces.
O O 20 Strong intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding lead to
Polymerisation
close packing of chains that imparts crystalline character.
— O — CH2 CH2O — C — —C —
21 Terylene is a condensation product of ethylene glycol and
terephthalic acid. So, one mole of terephthalic acid is required
Terylene or Dacron
for the formation of terylene.
12 The repeating unit in natural rubber has the cis-configurations 22 Nylon is a polyamide polymer.
with chain extensions on the same side of the ethylene double 23 Glyptal or alkyd resin is a polymer of ethylene glycol and phthalic
bond, which is essential for elasticity. acid.
 COOH COOH 29 Nylon and polyesters have strong intermolecular forces
(i.e., hydrogen bonding)
nHO—CH2—CH2—OH + n 30 Nylon-6, 6 is an example of copolymer.
31 Nylon has amide linkage capable of forming intermolecular
O O
H-bonding as
—O—CH2—CH2—O—C C — Sites capable of forming H-bonding
–2nH2O
(Polymerisation) ↓ ↓
H 
 O 
Glyptal n    
 n
—N — C — CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2 —
24 Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic formed by reaction of phenol
with HCHO in the presence of conc. H2SO 4 . Nylon-6

OH Due to H-bonding, nylon has strong intermolecular attraction.

Cellulose is a polyhydroxy compound, also capable of forming
Conc. H2SO4, D strong intermolecular H-bonding; polyvinylchloride is a polar
nHCHO + n polymer due to carbon chlorine bond and it possess strong
OH OH dipole-dipole attraction. Natural rubber is polyisoprene, a
hydrocarbon, possess weak van der Waals’ attraction.
H2C— —CH2— —CH2
 CH3 
  
 CH C ==CH CH 

CH2 CH2
 2 2

 
 n
It is thus cross-linked polymer, condensation taking place at o- cis-poly (isoprene)
and p-positions. Thus, HCHO is the correct choice. Natural rubber
25 Terylene is a polyester polymer because it is formed by the 32 It can form only dimer.
monomer units terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.
33 Cellulose is a biodegradable polymer. Different enzymes
26 Condensation polymers are obtained by bifunctional molecules secreted by bacteria digest it.
(monomers) with the elimination of smaller molecules whereas
additional polymers are obtained from multiple bond containing 34 Monomers 3-hydroxy butanoic acid and 3-hydroxy-pentanoic
monomers. Neoprene is a polymer of chloroprene acid react each other and form biodegradable, PHBV polymer.
(CH2 ==C(Cl)CH==CH2 ) so it is an addition polymer, instead Glycine and amino caproic acid also react to form
condensation polymer. biodegradable polymers nylon-2-nylon-6.
O OH O
27 Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a homopolymer. 
 
28 Novolac is thermosetting polymer. When o-hydroxy benzyl nCH3  CH  CH2 C OH + CH3CH2 CH CH2 C OH
alcohol undergo self condensation to give a linear polymer,  β -hydroxy pentanoic acid
called novolac. OH
β -hydroxy butanoic acid
OH OH  
CH2 OH
H CH2 OH  
→ 
 O CH CH2 COO

– n H2 O
  
+ n
 R n
PHBV
nH2NCH2COOH + nH2N(CH2 )5 COOH →
OH OH − nH 2O
 O
  
CH2 CH2   HN CH CONH(CH ) C  
 2 2 5

 
n  n
Linear polymer or Novolac Nylon-2-nylon-6
SESSION 2 (b) Formaldehyde or methanal (HCHO)
O
1 Acrilan (or acrylonitrile) is monomer unit of polyacrylonitrile 
(PAN). Its structure is H —C — H

CH2 CH   9 Polystyrene and orlon, being vinyl derivative are chain growth
   polymers while dacron is a step growth polymer.
 CN 
10 Vinyl derivatives containing electron releasing group readily
2 Natural rubber is cis-1, 4-polyisoprene and has all undergo head to tail addition polymerisation.
cis-configurations about the double as shown below. It is
prepared from latex which is obtained in cis form. 11 Rubber vulcanised with 3-10% sulphur is more rigid and hence,
used for manufacturing tyres. While the rubber vulcanised with
H3C H
H 3C H CH2 1-3% sulphur is soft and stretchy, so used to make rubber band.
C C CH2 C C
H 2C CH2 C C CH2 CH2
H3 C H 12 PHBV (Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate –CO-β-hydroxy valerate), a
copolymer of 3-hydroxy butanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic
3 Terylene is formed by the condensation of dimethyl acid is used in orthopaedic devices and in controlled drug
terephthalate and glycol. Its structure is release.
O O
O NOH H
—O—CH2—CH2—O—C —C—
N O
n NH2OH H2SO4
13
Terylene (Dacron) –H2O Beckmann
rearrangement
Hence, the structure of terylene given in question is incorrect. Cyclohexanone Cyclohexanone Caprolactum
HF 800 °C oxime (monomer of nylon-6)
4 CHCl 3 → CHF3 → F2C == CF2
SbS 5 (X ) −HF (Y)
14 The initial reaction between phenol and formaldehyde is
Polymerisation aromatic electrophilic substitution.
→ —(F2C == CF2—
)n
Teflon(Plastic) OH OH OH
H
5 Zeigler-Natta or oxide catalysed polymerisation is done for the CH2OH
industrial manufacture of high density polyethylene. H—C==O +
6 In addition homopolymers such as teflon, empirical formula
resembles with monomer.
CH2OH
7 Buna-S is an elastomer, thus has weakest intermolecular forces.
Nylon-66, is a fibre, thus has strong intermolecular forces like
15 In condensation polymerisation, molecules of same or different
H-bonding. Polythene is a thermoplastic polymers, thus the
monomers are combined in a controlled stepwise manner with
intermolecular forces present in polythene are in between
elimination of small molecules such as water, ammonia,
elastomer and fibres. Thus, the order of intermolecular forces of
alcohols, etc.
these polymers is
buna-S < polythene < nylon-6,6 Condensation
nHOOC–– ––COOH + nHOCH2CH2OH ¾¾¾¾¾®
polymerisation
8 BreakNH CH2 bond and add H2O to get the structure of Terephthalic acid
Ethylene glycol –nH2O
monomers.
––OC––
[ ––COO––CH2CH2O––
]n
(a) 2, 4, 6-triamino-1, 3, 5-triazine or melamine
H Terylene or dacron O
H2 N N NH2
¾

O
N Condensation
C ¾¾¾¾¾® ––NH––(CH
polymerisation
[ 2)5––C–]–n
N N –nH2O
Nylon-6 or perlon

Caprolactum
NH2