Addition reactions are really cool when it comes to making synthetic polymers. Let's break it down step by step:
Monomers: It all starts with tiny molecules called monomers. For addition reactions, these monomers usually have double bonds. A common example of these are alkenes.
Reactivity: Those double bonds make the monomers reactive, which means they can easily change. When you add heat, pressure, or sometimes a special substance called a catalyst, the double bonds can react with each other.
Chain Reaction: When one monomer reacts with another, it breaks its double bond. This creates new single bonds and links them together. This process can keep happening over and over. The result? Long chains of repeating units, which are what we call polymers!
Examples: One well-known example is polyethylene, which is made from the addition of ethylene (CH₂=CH₂) monomers.
In short, addition reactions break apart the double bonds of monomers. This allows them to connect and form big, useful structures known as synthetic polymers. Isn't it amazing how chemistry can create such a variety of materials?
Addition reactions are really cool when it comes to making synthetic polymers. Let's break it down step by step:
Monomers: It all starts with tiny molecules called monomers. For addition reactions, these monomers usually have double bonds. A common example of these are alkenes.
Reactivity: Those double bonds make the monomers reactive, which means they can easily change. When you add heat, pressure, or sometimes a special substance called a catalyst, the double bonds can react with each other.
Chain Reaction: When one monomer reacts with another, it breaks its double bond. This creates new single bonds and links them together. This process can keep happening over and over. The result? Long chains of repeating units, which are what we call polymers!
Examples: One well-known example is polyethylene, which is made from the addition of ethylene (CH₂=CH₂) monomers.
In short, addition reactions break apart the double bonds of monomers. This allows them to connect and form big, useful structures known as synthetic polymers. Isn't it amazing how chemistry can create such a variety of materials?