What are plastics made of
Large covalently bonded molecules called ‘polymers’
What are large polymer molecules made of
many monomers joined together
What are ethene monomers made into
poly(ethene). Plastic, transparent, strong, easy to shape
What are propene monomers made into
poly(propene). Strong, tough, plastic
What is addition polymerisation
Small alkene molecules are joined together through breaking of double bonds to form polymers of extremely long-chained hydrocarbons that are majority of plastics we use. Only 1 product formed.
What is condensation polymerisation
Forms polymer and a small molecule (H2O or HCl). Forms polyesters. Basically, esterification with many monomers.
A diol + dicarboxylic Acid → Polyester + water
What are some natural polymers
Carbohydrates
Glucose
Starch and Cellulose
Proteins
DNA
What polymer are carbohydrates
1 or more types of sugar molecules. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen atoms
What polymer is Starch and cellulose
Made up of glucose
What polymer are proteins
From amino acid monomers. React together during condensation polymerisation to make poly peptides.
What polymer is DNA
Made up of monomers called nucleotides (phosphate, sugar and base). 2 polymer strands intertwined in double helix.
What are synthetic polymers
Man-made