Question

Write the names and structures of the monomers of the following polymers
(i) Polystyrenes
(ii) Dacron
(iii) Teflon

Answer 1

Hint: Polymer is a substance made of a large number of smaller molecules that link together to form larger molecules. Polymer can occur naturally or we can manufacture them (synthetic polymer) or semi-synthetic polymer.

Complete answer
(i) Polystyrene

It is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from styrene.

(ii) Dacron: It consists of polymerized units of monomer ethylene terephthalate,

(iii) Teflon Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic polymer of tetrafluoroethylene.

It is used as a nonstick coating for pans and other cookware. It is non-reactive because of the strength of carbon fluorine bonds.

Hence the names and structures are given below:
(i) Polystyrene: Monomer: Styrene
 Structure

(ii) Dacron: Monomers: ethylene glycol
$\left( {HO - C{H_2} - C{H_2} - OH} \right)$

(iii) terephthalic acid
Teflon: Monomer: Tetrafluoroethene.
$\left( {C{F_2} = \,C{F_2}} \right)$

Note: Polymers are the materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules. The materials have unique properties, depending on the type of molecules being bonded. Some polymers bend and stretch, like rubber and polyester. The classification of Polymer based upon synthesis:
 (i) Addition Polymer: These are polymers formed by the addition together of the molecules of the monomer or monomers to form a macromolecule without elimination of anything.
(ii) Condensation polymers: These are generally formed by combination of monomers with the elimination of simple molecules such as water, alcohol, ammonia, etc.