Question

Which of the following is not a natural polymer?
(A) Cotton
(B) Silk
(C) Cellulose Rayon
(D) Wool

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that the polymer is defined as the compounds which add a large number of repeating structural units, these are linked with covalent bonding. There are several ways of classification of polymers. As the name indicated natural polymers are formed from nature.

Step by step answer:
The natural polymers are the polymers which are formed from nature. Let’s see the options.

Cotton-it is formed from cotton seeds. The cotton is a natural polymer which has a composition of cellulose. Cellulose occurs exclusively in plants and it is the most abundant organic substance in the plant kingdom. It is polysaccharide composed only of \[\beta - D\] glucose units. So, cotton contains glucose units.
Silk-We know that it is also a natural polymer which is formed from certain insect larvae. The larvae are used to form cocoons.
Cellulose Rayon-Rayon is a recreated form of cellulose that is further made from natural cellulose. Natural cellulose as we have seen in our above explanation that it is obtained from plants.
Wool-wool is also a natural polymer which is obtained from living animals such as sheep. We obtain woollen clothes that are in pure form meaning that the wool grease is removed from fleece (wool is obtained from) and it is used to make ointments.

Therefore, the correct option is option (C).

Note: There are known numbers of synthetic polymers which are prepared from chemical processes such as Nylon, Bakelite, vulcanization of rubber. Natural polymers are basically polysaccharides so they are biocompatible and without any side effects.