Question

The structural formula of monomer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is:
a) $ C{H_2} = CHCOOC{H_3} $
b) $ C{H_2} = C(C{H_3}) - COOC{H_3} $
c) $ C{H_3}COOCH = C{H_2} $
d) $ C{H_3}COOC(C{H_3}) = C{H_2} $

Answer 1

Hint: Polymethyl methacrylate is a polymer with monomer methyl methacrylate. It is also known as the acrylic glass or acrylics. It is a synthetic resin produced from the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate. It appeared as transparent and rigid plastic.

Complete step by step solution:
Acrylic polymers are the set of polymers noted for their transparency, resistance to breakage and elasticity. They are very popularly known as acrylics or polyacrylates.
For e.g. Polyacrylic acid, of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyacrylonitrile etc.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) can be prepared by emulsion polymerisation, solution polymerisation and bulk polymerisation.
Generally we use radical initiation methods but anionic polymerisation, another important method can also be performed.

Polymers are colourless, transparent plastic with an excellent outdoor life period and very good strength. It is an amorphous polymer in nature which is mainly due to the presence of bulky side groups in the parent chain.
It is used in remote control or heat sensors as they allow specific I.R wavelengths to pass through blocking visible light. When it is burnt, it gives $ CO,C{O_2},{H_2}O $ and low molecular weight compounds including formaldehyde.
As from the above discussion we observed it is transparent, hence it is used in rear lights, lenses, glasses, instrument clusters for vehicles. Also it is used in the form of sheets to build the windows, skylights, bullet proof security barriers, LCD screens, etc.
Hence the correct option is (b).

Note:
The monomer is synthesised by using acetone and hydrogen cyanide. When the formation of cyanohydrin takes place at $ 150^\circ C $ , sulphuric acid is added and the molecule rearranges to methyl methacrylate.