3.3.12 Polymers (A-level only)

The repeating unit of a polymer is shown.

Which monomer or pair of monomers could be used to make this polymer?

• ClOC(CH₂)₄NH₂ only

• ClOC(CH₂)₄COCl only

• ClOC(CH₂)₄COCl and H₂N(CH₂)₆NH₂

• ClOC(CH₂)₆COCl and H₂N(CH₂)₄NH₂

The structure of part of a polyester chain is shown.

Which statement correctly explains why plastics made from this polyester only soften at high temperatures?

• Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals’ forces exist between polyester chains.

• Permanent dipole-dipole forces and van der Waals’ forces exist between polyester chains.

• The carbon-carbon bonds in the chain are strong.

• The carbon-oxygen bonds in the chain are strong.

Which compound can form a polymer without needing another reagent?

• HOCH₂CH₂OH

• HOOCCH₂CH₂COOH

• HOCH₂CH₂COCl

• ClCH₂CH₂COOH

Which polymer is least likely to be biodegraded after several years in a landfill site?

• Kevlar

• Nylon

• Polythene

• Terylene

Which compound can polymerise by reaction with itself?

• NH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂

• CH₃CH₂CONH₂

• HOOCCH₂COOH

• NH₂CH₂COCl

This question is about the following reaction scheme which shows the preparation of polymer P.

Polymer P is formed in a two-step reaction from N. The first stage is a neutralisation reaction. The volume, in cm³, of a 0.20 mol dm⁻³ solution of H₂NCH₂CH₂NH₂ required to neutralise 6.8 × 10⁻³ mol of the acid N is

• 17

• 34

• 68

• 136

Terylene is made by reacting benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and ethane-1,2-diol.

Terylene is

• an addition polymer.

• a polyamide.

• a polyester.

• a nylon.