Question

Polymerization of vinyl chloride produces poly(vinyl chloride) of high molar mass at low monomer conversions, whereas polymerization of ethylene glycol with terephthalic acid produces poly(ethylene terephthalate) of high molar mass only at very high conversions of the-OH and -CO_2H groups. (See entries (6) and (9) in Table 1.1 for the chemical structures of the monomers and polymers. For each polymerization, explain what the observations indicate in terms of the type of polymerization taking place.

Answer 1

Answer:

Polymerisation of viny chloride to produce Poly(vinyl chloride) ocuures through addition or chain polymerisation (Free radical). For chain polymerisation, continous addition of monomer takes places and there is no by-product formed. hence obtain high molar mass at low monomer conversions.

polymerisation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid produces poly(ethylene terphthalate) through condensation or step growth polymerisation. For step polymerisation, polymer formed stepwise manner and there is by-product formed. hence high molar mass at very high conversions of the-OH and -CO2H groups.