reaction scheme for Compound A.

Question

reaction scheme for Compound A compound would be 2-methylbut-2-ene. (a) A can theoretically be used to make a polymer.

(i)           What is a ‘polymer’?

(ii)         What type of polymerization would Compound A MOST likely undergo?

(iii)        Draw a section of the polymer created by Compound A showing 3 repeat units.

Answer 1

(i) A polymer is a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of many repeating subunits.

(ii) Based on its structure, I think 2-methyl-2-butene would most likely undergo acid-catalyzed, cationic polymerization

This would be a chain-growth polymerization where the active center is a 3° carbocation.

However, I suppose that free radical or transition metal catalyzed polymerization might also be possible.

(iii)