H8P1: Polystyrene
The monomer structure of polystyrene is shown below:
(a) Would you expect polystyrene to be a stiff or a pliable polymer?
I)Stiff
II)Pliable
(b) What kind of synthesis is used in the production of polystyrene from styrene monomers?
I)Addition polymerization
II)Condensation polymerization
III)Anionic polymerization
(c) Calculate the degree of polymerization (n) of polystyrene with a molecular weight of 3.091X10^6 g/mol.
a) stiff
b) Addition polymerization
c) 3.091×10^6 / 104.15 = 29678.34
(a) To determine whether polystyrene is a stiff or a pliable polymer, we need to consider its molecular structure. Polystyrene is formed by the polymerization of styrene monomers. Styrene has a benzene ring, which provides rigidity to the polymer chain. Therefore, polystyrene is expected to be a stiff polymer.
(b) The kind of synthesis used in the production of polystyrene from styrene monomers is addition polymerization. Addition polymerization involves the joining of monomers without the formation of any byproducts.
(c) To calculate the degree of polymerization (n) of polystyrene, we can use the formula:
n = molecular weight of polystyrene / molecular weight of styrene monomer
Given that the molecular weight of polystyrene is 3.091x10^6 g/mol, we need to know the molecular weight of the styrene monomer.
Please provide the molecular weight of the styrene monomer to proceed with the calculation.