Chapter 26, Problem 26.32P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

How the presence of an $-{\text{NHCOCH}}_3$ at the $\text{2-}$ position of the ring in the structure of chitin instead of the $\text{OH}$ group on cellulose makes chitin much stronger than cellulose is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The strength of polymers depends on two factors – the strength of the single polymer chain and the intermolecular interactions between adjacent polymer chains.

When two polymers have similar backbones and differ mainly in the side groups, the strength depends on the nature of the side groups and the intermolecular interactions they are capable of.