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Identifying addition polymers and their monomers

Organic chemistry • Synthetic and natural polymers

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Addition polymerisation occurs when identical unsaturated monomers link to form a long chain polymer without producing small molecules.
  • Each monomer contains a carbon–carbon double bond (C=C), which opens during the reaction, allowing each carbon to form two new single bonds with adjacent monomers, creating a continuous carbon backbone.
  • The polymer repeat unit resembles the modified monomer after opening the C=C bond, resulting in repeated units.

Flashcards

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What is an addition polymer?

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An addition polymer is formed when identical unsaturated monomers link by opening their carbon–carbon double bonds, resulting in no small molecules produced.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Identify the C=C bond in the monomer as the main indicator of addition polymerisation.

Polymer repeat units appear in brackets with an ‘n’ indicating repetition.

The repeat unit is the monomer with the C=C bond opened and single bonds formed to connect units.

Addition polymerisation generates no small molecules; any by-product signals condensation polymerisation.

Substituent groups on monomers remain attached to the same carbon in the repeat unit.

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