synthesis organic polymers
Lab #4 The Synthesis of Organic Polymers CHM2123, Section C October 21, 2014
Introduction:
Organic polymers are macromolecules that are composed of smaller molecules called monomers. There are two main groups of polymers: natural polymers and unnatural (synthetic) polymers. Natural polymers include proteins such as cellulose and starch and are a necessity for our existence. On the other hand, synthetic polymers such as the polycarbonate in our lab goggles are more committed to achieving comfort and pleasure in life. The best ways to classify synthetic polymers is by the chemical processes used to produce them; addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. Generally, three important reactions take place in addition polymerization: initiation (birth), propagation (growth), and termination (death). Addition polymers, commonly known as chain growth polymers, are made through a chain reaction in which an alkene monomer is incorporated into the growing chain by reacting with a reactive intermediate. This intermediate is produced by the initiator, which can be a radical (highly reactive atom with an unpaired electron) such as the Benzoyl peroxide that will be used in this experiment. The polymer chain growth takes place during the propagation stage and stops when the radicals are satiated, usually by the recombination of two growing chains. The three different types of polymers are homopolymers, alternating co-polymers and random co-polymers. Homopolymers are made up of the same monomers while alternating co-polymers are made up of two or more alternating monomers and random co-polymers are made up of two or more monomers that follow no particular order (i.e. random). Now condensation polymers, commonly known as step-growth polymers, are formed when two monomers combine to eliminate a small molecule side product, such as water. A unique property of linear polymers is that they cannot form
Introduction:
Organic polymers are macromolecules that are composed of smaller molecules called monomers. There are two main groups of polymers: natural polymers and unnatural (synthetic) polymers. Natural polymers include proteins such as cellulose and starch and are a necessity for our existence. On the other hand, synthetic polymers such as the polycarbonate in our lab goggles are more committed to achieving comfort and pleasure in life. The best ways to classify synthetic polymers is by the chemical processes used to produce them; addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. Generally, three important reactions take place in addition polymerization: initiation (birth), propagation (growth), and termination (death). Addition polymers, commonly known as chain growth polymers, are made through a chain reaction in which an alkene monomer is incorporated into the growing chain by reacting with a reactive intermediate. This intermediate is produced by the initiator, which can be a radical (highly reactive atom with an unpaired electron) such as the Benzoyl peroxide that will be used in this experiment. The polymer chain growth takes place during the propagation stage and stops when the radicals are satiated, usually by the recombination of two growing chains. The three different types of polymers are homopolymers, alternating co-polymers and random co-polymers. Homopolymers are made up of the same monomers while alternating co-polymers are made up of two or more alternating monomers and random co-polymers are made up of two or more monomers that follow no particular order (i.e. random). Now condensation polymers, commonly known as step-growth polymers, are formed when two monomers combine to eliminate a small molecule side product, such as water. A unique property of linear polymers is that they cannot form