AS Level · Chemistry 9701 · Organic chemistry

Polymerisation: AS Level Chemistry questions with answers

Free Polymerisation questions for AS Level Chemistry (9701), part of Organic chemistry. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Polymerisation practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

What is the repeat unit of the polymer formed from chloroethene, CH2=CHCl?

  1. A –CH2–CCl2–
  2. B –CHCl–CHCl–
  3. C –CH2–CHCl–
  4. D –CH=CCl–
Show answer

Answer: C

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which monomer forms poly(propene)?

  1. A CH₂=CHCl
  2. B CH₂=CHCH₃
  3. C CH₃CH₂CH₃
  4. D CH₂=CH₂
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“A condensation polymer of a diol and a dicarboxylic acid.”

  1. A buffer solution
  2. B polyester
  3. C primary alcohol
  4. D entropy
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 4Structured · 6 marksA* challenge

A section of an addition polymer is: –CH₂–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–CH(CH₃)–

(a)

Identify the monomer and give a test to show it is unsaturated.

[2]
(b)

But-2-ene also forms an addition polymer. Give its repeat unit.

[1]
(c)

Explain why but-2-ene shows geometrical isomerism but propene does not.

[2]
(d)

Calculate the number of repeat units in a poly(propene) chain of Mr 21 000.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)propene; decolorises bromine water
propene B1
bromine water changes from orange to colourless B1
2
(b)–CH(CH₃)–CH(CH₃)–
–CH(CH₃)–CH(CH₃)– B1
1
(c)restricted rotation and two different groups on each C
restricted rotation about C=C M1
each carbon of the C=C has two different groups in but-2-ene, but one carbon of propene has two H atoms M1
2
(d)500
21 000/42.0 = 500 B1
1
Question 5Structured · 3 marks

Poly(propene) and PVC are addition polymers.

(a)

Draw the repeat unit of poly(propene).

[1]
(b)

Explain why addition polymers are difficult to dispose of.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)–CH₂–CH(CH₃)–
–CH₂–CH(CH₃)– B1
1
(b)non-biodegradable; non-polar C–C chains
non-biodegradable / chemically inert (strong non-polar C–C and C–H bonds) B1
burning produces toxic gases (e.g. HCl from PVC) B1
2
Question 6Structured · 7 marksA* challenge

poly(chloroethene) is made from chloroethene. A sample of the polymer has an average Mr of 42000.

(a)

Give the repeat unit of the polymer and the type of polymerisation.

[2]
(b)

Calculate the average number of monomer units in a polymer molecule.

[2]
(c)

Explain why poly(alkene)s are not biodegradable.

[2]
(d)

Give one problem caused by disposing of this polymer by burning.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)–CH₂–CHCl–; addition
–CH₂–CHCl– B1
addition B1
2
(b)672
Mr of monomer = 62.5 C1
n = 672 A1
2
(c)non-polar, strong bonds
strong C–C and C–H (C–F) bonds M1
non-polar chains, so not attacked by nucleophiles or enzymes M1
2
(d)HCl / toxic gases
acidic HCl gas is produced B1
1

More Organic chemistry questions

Introduction to organic chemistryHydrocarbonsHalogen compoundsHydroxy compoundsCarbonyl compoundsCarboxylic acids & derivativesNitrogen compoundsOrganic synthesisAnalytical techniques

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in