Polymer Chemistry

Step 1: Analyze the Reaction.
The given reaction is:
$ or ) to form a polymer. The reactant suggests that it is ethylene chloride, which can undergo polymerization under specific conditions.
Step 2: Identify the Polymerization Process.
Ethylene chloride ( ) can undergo polymerization to form polyethylene (PE). However, the presence of chlorine ( ) indicates that this might be a more complex reaction involving substitution or addition reactions before polymerization.
Step 3: Determine and .
To identify and , we need to consider the reagents and products: 1. Reagent :
The reagent is typically a catalyst or initiator for the polymerization reaction.
Common initiators for polymerization include metallic compounds like sodium (Na) in liquid ammonia ( ), which can act as a reducing agent or catalyst. 2. Product :
The product is the polymer formed from the monomer .
Ethylene chloride ( ) can undergo polymerization to form polyethylene (PE).
Step 4: Match with Options.
The options provided are:
(1) - thermosetting polymer
(2) - thermoplastic polymer
(3) - condensation polymer
(4) - Network polymer
Option 1: - thermosetting polymer
Thermosetting polymers are cross-linked polymers that do not melt upon heating. This does not match the context of the reaction.
Option 2: - thermoplastic polymer
Thermoplastic polymers are linear or branched polymers that can be melted and reshaped. This matches the context of the reaction, as ethylene chloride polymerizes to form a thermoplastic polymer like polyethylene.
Option 3: - condensation polymer
Condensation polymers are formed by a condensation reaction, which involves the elimination of small molecules (e.g., water). This does not match the context of the reaction.
Option 4: - Network polymer
Network polymers are highly cross-linked structures, similar to thermosetting polymers. This does not match the context of the reaction.
Step 5: Correct Answer.
The correct option is:
\) $