Polymers

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