Question

The free-radical polymerization of ethylene is spontaneous. What is the sign of entropy change in this process? Describe whether the polymerization reac- tion is exothermic or endothermic. Explain.

Answer 1

$\bigtriangleup G=\bigtriangleup H-T\bigtriangleup S$

In a polymerization process the number of perticle decreases.this clearly indicates the entropy change for this process is negative. as a matter of fact most of the free radical polymerization process have negative entropy. T being absolute temperature is always positive. the enthalpy change of this reaction has to be high negative as to make gibbs free energy negative. gibbs free energy has to be negative for a procedure to be sponteneous. negative enthalpy means the reaction is exothermic.