Degradable Polymers (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Chemistry): Exam Questions

Nylon is an example of a synthetic polyamide and contains the same links as polypeptides. Nylon is the general name for a family of polyamides. A section of a nylon polymer is shown in Fig. 1.1.

Fig. 1.1  

i) Draw the structures of two monomers that could be used to make this nylon. 

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ii) State the type of polymerisation involved in the formation of this nylon. 

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Nylon can be used to make clothing. Suggest why nylon should be protected from spillages of strong acids and alkalis.

Nomex shown in Fig. 1.2 has a higher melting point than nylon and is used to make the flame resistant body suits worn by racing drivers. 

Suggest a reason why the melting point of Nomex is higher than that of nylon.

Fig. 1.2

i) Draw the two monomers that are used to manufacture Nomex

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ii) State the formula of any by-products produced. 

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i) Name an example of a synthetic polyester and a synthetic polyamide. 

polyester 

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 polyamide 

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 ii) Polyesters and polyamides are formed by condensation reactions. 

Name a molecule which is commonly eliminated in such reactions. 

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Table 2.1 shows the repeat units of a number of polymers. Place a tick (✓) against the ones which are biodegradable.

Table 2.1

Draw the structures of two monomers used to form polymer B.

A section of polypeptide was hydrolysed and the amino acids in Table 3.1 were identified.

Table 3.1

Which of the amino acids T, U or V has the highest pH in an aqueous solution? Explain your answer.

Amino acid .............................

State how many different dipeptides could be formed from a reaction mixture consisting of amino acids T and U.

Polypeptides contain a high proportion of carbon and hydrogen in their structures, yet many are soluble in water. By referring to the structure of a polypeptide, explain why.