This deep dive covers Drawing Polymer Structures within Polymers for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Polymers in Organic Chemistry for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 14 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 6 of 15 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
✏️ Drawing Polymer Structures
Step-by-Step Drawing Method
- Start with the monomer structure
- Remove the double bond (C=C becomes C-C)
- Add bonds going out from each end carbon (continuation lines)
- Put the structure in brackets with 'n' subscript
Common Polymer Structures
- Poly(ethene): [-CH₂-CH₂-]ₙ from H₂C=CH₂
- Poly(propene): [-CH₂-CH(CH₃)-]ₙ from H₂C=CH(CH₃)
- PVC: [-CH₂-CHCl-]ₙ from H₂C=CHCl (chloroethene)
Exam Tip: Always show the continuation lines (bonds going out of the brackets) — these show the chain continues. Also remember the 'n' subscript.
Practice questions for Polymers
What type of monomers are needed for addition polymerisation?
Explain how addition polymerisation works. Include the role of the double bond.
Quick recall flashcards
What is a monomer?
A small molecule that can be joined together to form a polymer
What is a polymer?
A large molecule made up of many repeating units (monomers) joined together