Polymerisation chemistry — role of catalysts Evaluate the statement: “Catalysts are used to accelerate the chemical reaction during the polymerisation of plastics.”

Introduction / Context:
Polymerisation converts monomers into long-chain macromolecules. In both addition and condensation mechanisms, catalysts (or initiators) are widely used to increase reaction rates, control stereochemistry, and set molecular weight distributions, which directly affect the properties of the final plastic.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Catalysts speed up the rate of chemical reactions by providing alternative pathways with lower activation energy.
• Initiators (e.g., peroxides) are sometimes distinguished from true catalysts but serve to start and accelerate chain reactions.
• Industrial polymerisation seeks efficient rates at controlled temperatures and pressures.

Concept / Approach:
In addition polymerisation, Ziegler–Natta, metallocene, and Phillips catalysts enable stereoregularity and high rates in olefin polymerisation. In condensation polymerisation (e.g., polyesters), catalysts such as antimony, titanium, or tin compounds accelerate esterification/transesterification steps. Therefore, asserting that catalysts accelerate polymerisation is broadly correct across common plastic manufacturing routes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify polymerisation type (addition or condensation).Associate typical catalysts/initiators with each process.Explain rate effect: lower activation energy or radical generation increases reaction rate.Conclude that the statement is true.

Verification / Alternative check:
Industrial practice shows dramatically higher productivities and better control using catalysts; without them, many polymerisations would be uneconomical or yield inferior materials.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Limiting the truth to only one mechanism ignores broad usage; claiming catalysts only control molecular weight is incorrect—rate enhancement is a core function.

Common Pitfalls:
Conflating “catalyst” and “initiator”; both can accelerate the overall polymerisation rate, though their roles differ.

Final Answer:
True