Chapter 23.3, Problem 19R

To determine

To identify: The name of the polymer made from the monomer terpene.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: The word “polymer” is derived from the Greek word “poly-” meaning ‘many’ and “-mer” meaning ‘parts’.

The name of most of the polymers contains the prefix poly and the suffix is the name of the monomer it is formed from. For example, polymer made from ethylene is called polyethylene.

In the polymer made of many terpene units, the ‘parts’ are terpenes. Taking the prefix as poly- and the suffix −terpene, the name of the polymer should be polyterpene.

Conclusion: The name of the polymer made from the monomer terpene should be polyterpene.