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A-LevelChemistryPolymerisation9701/43 · Oct/Nov 2020 · Q108 Marks

The table shows three pairs of monomers that are capable of polymerisation. Complete the table by identifying each type of polymerisation.

  1. (a)pair of monomers HOCH₂CH₂OH and HO₂CCH₂CO₂H and HO OH Cl Cl CH₃CHCF₂ and CH₃CHCH₂ type of polymerisation[1]
  2. (b)(i)2-aminopropanoic acid, CH₃CH(NH₂)CO₂H, can polymerise under suitable conditions. No other monomer is involved in this reaction. Draw a section of the polymer chain formed including three monomer residues. Clearly identify one repeat unit on your diagram.[3]
  3. (b)(ii)2-aminopropanoic acid, CH₃CH(NH₂)CO₂H, exists as two stereoisomers. Draw three-dimensional diagrams to show the two stereoisomers of 2-aminopropanoic acid. State the type of stereoisomerism shown. type of stereoisomerism[2]
  4. (c)(i)The skeletal formula of compound W is shown. [Figure X.X] When W is mixed with a second compound, called a hardener, a polymerisation reaction occurs, producing a non-solvent-based adhesive. Give the name of this type of non-solvent-based adhesive.[1]
  5. (c)(ii)The hardener is a diamine. A diamine has an alkyl chain with two amine groups which are not bonded to the same carbon atom. Draw the structural formula of a compound that would make a suitable hardener.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] HOCH2CH2OH and HO2CCH2CO2H -> condensation
  2. and HO OH Cl C1 -> condensation
  3. CH3CHCF2 and CH3CHCH2 -> addition
  4. ALL correct [1]
  5. [3] amide links displayed correct (NHCO OR CONH) [1]
  6. three monomers of Ala only [1]
  7. one repeat unit correctly identified [1]
  8. continuation bonds (with a polypeptide involving Ala only)
  9. mark as ✓✓✓ [3]
  10. [2] 3D, tetrahedral, both isomers of 2-aminopropanoic acid [1]
  11. optical [1]
  12. [1] epoxy resin [1] ALLOW Super Glues
  13. [1] compound with two amine groups per molecule, amine groups must not be on the same carbon atom [1]
  14. e.g. H2NCH2CH2NH2

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About this question

Topic
Polymerisation, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 8 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, Oct/Nov 2020 Paper 4 Variant 3, question 10.

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