Chapter 12, Problem 15QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the statement that, the long-chain hydrocarbons or addition polymers of alkene molecules form liquid crystals or not, is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Polymers are the molecules with high molecular masses that are made up of repeating monomer units. Polymers are the backbone of four major chemical industries, viz., plastics, elastomers, fibers, and paints and varnishes.

On the basis of mode of polymerization, polymers have been classified into two subgroups that are addition polymers and condensation polymers.

Addition polymers are formed when there is a movement of electrons from multiple bonds into new single bonds between molecules without elimination of small molecule.

Polymers that are formed by elimination of small molecules like ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ is a condensation polymer.

The liquid crystals act like conventional liquids and solid crystals.

The liquid crystals have the ability to flow and take the shape of the container like liquids and have a regular arrangement of particles in the lattice like solids.

The liquid crystals have three types of orders called nematic, smectic, and cholesteric.

Some substances exhibit liquid crystal behavior when they are melted from solids.

As the temperature increases, the solid liquifies but retains some order in one or two dimensions.