What is the monomer used to make polypropene?

Prepare for the IGCSE Organic Chemistry Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations to ensure you understand the core concepts. Get ready for your test with confidence!

Multiple Choice

What is the monomer used to make polypropene?

Explanation:
Propene is the monomer used to make polypropene. In addition polymerization, the C=C double bond in propene (CH2=CH-CH3) opens and many propene molecules join end-to-end to form long chains. The repeating unit in the polymer is -CH2-CH(CH3)-, reflecting the methyl group from each propene unit along the backbone. This gives polypropylene its characteristic structure. If you started with ethene, you’d get polyethylene; with butene you’d get polybutene; and methene isn’t a practical monomer. So propene is the correct monomer.

Propene is the monomer used to make polypropene. In addition polymerization, the C=C double bond in propene (CH2=CH-CH3) opens and many propene molecules join end-to-end to form long chains. The repeating unit in the polymer is -CH2-CH(CH3)-, reflecting the methyl group from each propene unit along the backbone. This gives polypropylene its characteristic structure. If you started with ethene, you’d get polyethylene; with butene you’d get polybutene; and methene isn’t a practical monomer. So propene is the correct monomer.

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