| (h) Synthetic polymers (Content in blue is not required for Double Award Science) |
| 4.44 know that an addition polymer is formed by joining up many small molecules called monomers |
| 4.45 understand how to draw the repeat unit of an addition polymer, including poly(ethene), poly(propene), poly(chloroethene) and (poly)tetrafluoroethene |
| 4.46 understand how to deduce the structure of a monomer from the repeat unit of an addition polymer and vice versa |
4.47 explain problems in the disposal of addition polymers, including:
- their inertness and inability to biodegrade
- the production of toxic gases when they are burned
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| 4.48C know that condensation polymerisation, in which a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diol, produces a polyester and water |
| 4.49C understand how to write the structural and displayed formula of a polyester, showing the repeat unit, given the formulae of the monomers from which it is formed including the reaction of ethanedioic acid and ethanediol |
| 4.50C know that some polyesters, known as biopolyesters, are biodegradable |
