4. Provide a mechanism for the formation of polystyrene from styrene as shown below. Cer steps in the process have well-established names (e.g., initiation...); include those la where appropriate. styrene ROOR heat RO Ph Ph Ph Ph = C6H5= H. H Ph Ph H H H OR

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**Polystyrene Formation from Styrene: Mechanism and Explanation**

**Objective:**
To understand the mechanism for the formation of polystyrene from styrene monomers, including key reaction steps such as initiation, propagation, and termination.

**Process Overview:**

1. **Starting Material:**
   - **Styrene**: It is the monomer used in the polymerization process. The chemical structure is represented by a vinyl group (C=C) attached to a phenyl group (Ph = C6H5).

2. **Initiation:**
   - Utilizes an initiator (such as ROOR) and heat. This decomposes to form radicals that start the polymerization.
   - The radical (RO•) reacts with a styrene monomer, forming an activated styrene radical.

3. **Propagation:**
   - The activated styrene radical reacts with another styrene monomer, creating a growing polymer chain with a radical at the end.
   - This step continues with the addition of multiple styrene units, lengthening the polymer chain.

4. **Termination:**
   - Can occur through various mechanisms including combination or disproportionation of radical ends resulting in a final polystyrene chain without any reactive ends.

**Polymer Structure:**

- The repeating unit is polystyrene represented as: -[CH2-CH(Ph)]n-.
- Here, [CH2-CH(Ph)] represents the backbone of the polystyrene, where Ph (C6H5) is the phenyl group attached to every other carbon atom.

**Diagram Explanation:**

- The diagram presents the transformation starting with a styrene molecule. The arrow direction indicates reaction progression leading to the formation of polystyrene.
- A polymer chain segment is shown with repeating units displayed, each bearing a phenyl group (Ph) attached to the second carbon of the vinyl group.
- The polymer chain is bracketed with an 'n' subscript denoting the number of repeating units, indicating the formation of a long polystyrene chain.

Understanding and utilizing this mechanism allows the synthesis of polystyrene with varying molecular weights, crucial for applications in packaging, insulation, and consumer goods.
Transcribed Image Text:**Polystyrene Formation from Styrene: Mechanism and Explanation** **Objective:** To understand the mechanism for the formation of polystyrene from styrene monomers, including key reaction steps such as initiation, propagation, and termination. **Process Overview:** 1. **Starting Material:** - **Styrene**: It is the monomer used in the polymerization process. The chemical structure is represented by a vinyl group (C=C) attached to a phenyl group (Ph = C6H5). 2. **Initiation:** - Utilizes an initiator (such as ROOR) and heat. This decomposes to form radicals that start the polymerization. - The radical (RO•) reacts with a styrene monomer, forming an activated styrene radical. 3. **Propagation:** - The activated styrene radical reacts with another styrene monomer, creating a growing polymer chain with a radical at the end. - This step continues with the addition of multiple styrene units, lengthening the polymer chain. 4. **Termination:** - Can occur through various mechanisms including combination or disproportionation of radical ends resulting in a final polystyrene chain without any reactive ends. **Polymer Structure:** - The repeating unit is polystyrene represented as: -[CH2-CH(Ph)]n-. - Here, [CH2-CH(Ph)] represents the backbone of the polystyrene, where Ph (C6H5) is the phenyl group attached to every other carbon atom. **Diagram Explanation:** - The diagram presents the transformation starting with a styrene molecule. The arrow direction indicates reaction progression leading to the formation of polystyrene. - A polymer chain segment is shown with repeating units displayed, each bearing a phenyl group (Ph) attached to the second carbon of the vinyl group. - The polymer chain is bracketed with an 'n' subscript denoting the number of repeating units, indicating the formation of a long polystyrene chain. Understanding and utilizing this mechanism allows the synthesis of polystyrene with varying molecular weights, crucial for applications in packaging, insulation, and consumer goods.
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