Polymers

Synthetic polymers
Topic objectives
• describe polymers in terms of large molecules built up from small units
(monomers), different polymers having different units and/or different
linkages
• describe the two different types of polymerisation (addition and condensation)
• deduce the structure of the polymer product from a given alkene monomer and vice
versa
• describe the formation of poly(ethene) as an example of addition
polymerisation of monomer units
• describe the formation of nylon (a polyamide) and Terylene (a polyester) by
condensation polymerization.
• outline some uses of plastics.
 Definitions
Term Meaning
Monomer A small molecule or unit that is covalently bonded to another
to form a polymer
Polymers Large molecules built up from monomers. Different polymers
having different units and / or different linkages

Polymerisation The process where a large number of small molecules

Addition polymerization
Condensation polymerisation
(monomers) join together to form a very large molecule
(polymer)
When monomers join together by breaking double bonds
without losing any molecule or atoms. Addition polymers are
made from unsaturated monomers.
The linking of monomers to form a polymer with the
elimination of simple molecule, such as water.

Macromolecules Large molecules built up from small units. Macromolecules are

produced by living organisms. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates
are natural macromolecules and are the main constituents of
food.
Poly(ethene)
• Polythene is an addition polymer made from ethene molecules as
monomers. The presence of the double bond allows them to add on
to each other.
• When ethene is heated under high pressure, its molecules can join
together to form polythene.
Poly(ethene)
Nylon
• Condensation polymer
• Monomers join to form a polymer, eliminating a water molecule.
• Contains an amide link – polyamide.
• An amide is made when a carboxylic acid group reacts with an amine
group.
• Amine – nitrogen atoms with single bonds to hydrogen and carbon.
Terylene
• Polyester made by condensation polymerisation.
• A polyester has an ester link.
• Monomers are diols (di alcohols).
• Two OH groups and two –COOH groups (dicarboxylic acids)
• A water molecule is condensed out and an ester link produced.
Uses of plastics
• Plastics that bend easily are Polythene and PVC (thermoplastics)
• Thermosetting plastics cannot be softened by heating once molded.
• Bakelite - electrical switches and handles.
• Melamine – floor tiles, kitchenware and fabrics that resist fire.
Homework
• Page 399
• No. 1,2,3
 Natural polymers Topic objectives
• name proteins, fats and carbohydrates as the main constituents of food
• describe proteins as possessing the same (amide) linkages as nylon but with
different units
• describe the structure of proteins as:
• describe the hydrolysis of proteins to amino acids (structures and names are
not required)
• describe fats as esters possessing the same linkage as Terylene but with different units
• describe complex carbohydrates in terms of a large number of sugar units, joined together by condensation
polymerization
• describe the acid hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates (e.g. starch) to give simple sugars
• describe, in outline, the usefulness of chromatography in separating and
identifying the products of hydrolysis of carbohydrates and proteins
 Proteins
• Natural macromolecules
• Proteins, just like nylon, have an amide link but different units.
• Proteins are made up of monomers called amino acids.
• When two amino acids join – dipeptide
• Many amino acids join – polypeptide
• Hundred amino acids join - protein
Hydrolysis of proteins
• Reverse of condensation reaction is called hydrolysis.
• Reaction of the compound with water to break down the compound
Fats
• One glycerol molecule reacts with three fatty acid molecules,
producing a triglyceride (fat) molecule. The link between the
monomers is an ester link.

Ester link
Hydrolysis of fats
• The hydrolysis of fats is called saponification.
• When reacting fats with a strong alkali such as sodium hydroxide,
soap and glycerol is produced.
• Fat + sodium hydroxide soap + glycerol
Carbohydrates
• ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is always 2:1
• When many simple sugar monomers join together, they form
polysaccharides such as starch, glycogen and cellulose.
• Starch is formed by condensation polymerization of many glucose
units.
• Hydrolysis of starch: Polysaccharides can be broken into
monosaccharides by boiling them with dilute acid or through the use
of enzymes.
Enzyme hydrolysis
• During digestion in animals.
• Starch molecules are broken down into glucose molecules.
• The enzyme amylase is the biological catalyst for this reaction.
Acid hydrolysis
• Starch + water glucose
Identify the products of hydrolysis
• Paper chromatography (know steps on page 393)
Properties and uses of fibres
• classify fibre polymers as natural or synthetic, give examples of both
and observe the different types of fibres used in the home
• outline that fibres are made into fabrics/textiles and that
fabrics/textiles have properties which are useful (e.g. insulation,
water absorption)
• describe the pollution problems caused by non-biodegradable plastics
and man-made fibres
• (Page 394 – 395)
Check your progress
• Page 399 (4 – 7)