Chapter 23.4, Problem 26LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : To describe a polymer and a monomer.

Concept Introduction: Polymers are formed by the combination of monomers. Polymers are used to make many materials that are used in day-to-day life. Monomers combine to form polymers.

Answer to Problem 26LC

A polymer is an unspecified monomer unit count. Examples include rubber, glass, etc.

A monomer is a single molecule that will form a polymer by a process called condensation polymerization.

Explanation of Solution

A polymer is a material whose molecular structure is composed primarily or entirely of many connected units of a similar nature. For example, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{=C}\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\right){\text{-CH=CH}}_{\text{2}}$ is a polymer. It is made by the polymerization of isoprene (2 methyl-1, 3-butadiene)

Monomer: ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{C=CH}}_{\text{2}}$ it is a monomer of ethylene. It is the monomer used in the formation of polyethylene.

Conclusion

Polymers and monomers are organic compounds. Monomers are single molecules whereas polymers are formed from monomers losing small molecules such as water or methanol a by-product.