Question 1: Explain the process of condensation polymerisation in your own words.

Answer: Condensation polymerisation is a chemical process where monomers join together, forming a polymer and releasing small molecules such as water or methanol as by-products.

Question 1: What types of molecules are typically involved in condensation polymerisation?

Answer: Monomers with two functional groups, such as carboxylic acids and alcohols, which can react to form a polymer and release a small molecule.

Question 2: Describe the main difference between addition and condensation polymerisation.

Answer: Addition polymerisation involves the addition of monomers without the loss of any small molecules, while condensation polymerisation involves the joining of monomers with the elimination of small molecules like water.

Question 3: Identify the functional groups in a typical diacid and diol used in polyester formation.

Answer: The diacid contains two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH), and the diol contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH).

Question 1: Calculate the molecular formula of a polyester formed from 1 mole of ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) and 1 mole of terephthalic acid (C8H6O4), assuming complete reaction and loss of 2 molecules of water.

Answer: C10H8O4

Question 2: If 50 grams of a polyester polymer has an average repeating unit molar mass of 192 g/mol, estimate the number of repeating units in 50 grams of the polymer.

Answer: Approximately 130 repeating units

Question 1: Describe a safe laboratory procedure for synthesising a polyester polymer, including necessary safety precautions.

Answer: Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles, work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, handle acids carefully to avoid burns, and dispose of waste properly.

Question 2: Identify the variables that can be controlled during a condensation polymerisation experiment and explain their effect.

Answer: Variables include temperature, concentration of monomers, and reaction time. Increasing temperature can speed up the reaction, while too high a concentration may lead to unwanted side reactions.

Question 1: A sample of polyester has a molar mass of 3840 g/mol. If the molecular weight of the repeating unit is 192 g/mol, how many repeating units does this polymer contain?

Answer: 20 repeating units

Question 2: A polymer sample is found to contain 5% by mass of unreacted monomers. What does this suggest about the efficiency of the polymerisation process?

Answer: It suggests the polymerisation was relatively efficient, but some unreacted monomers remain, indicating incomplete reaction or equilibrium conditions.

Question 1: Identify a common industrial product made from condensation polymers and explain its advantages.

Answer: Polyester fibres used in clothing are made from condensation polymers. They are durable, resistant to shrinking, and easy to dye.

Question 2: Discuss how advances in condensation polymer technology could impact environmental sustainability.

Answer: Advances could lead to biodegradable condensation polymers, reducing plastic waste. Improved recycling methods and renewable monomers may decrease reliance on fossil fuels, making the industry more sustainable.