Chain-growth products: chain-growth (addition) polymerisation adds monomers to active chain ends and requires initiators. Which of the following is a product of chain-growth polymerisation?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Teflon (PTFE)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Polymerisation route dictates molecular weight build-up and typical structures. Chain-growth (addition) polymerisation proceeds via radicals, ions, or coordination sites adding unsaturated monomers. Recognising which commercial polymers arise from addition vs. condensation pathways is a frequent test of fundamentals.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Vinyl monomers (like tetrafluoroethylene) form addition polymers.
  • Condensation polymers (nylons, PET, Bakelite) form via step-growth with small-molecule elimination or ring opening.


Concept / Approach:
PTFE (Teflon) forms by chain-growth addition of tetrafluoroethylene. Nylon-66 and PET are condensation polymers (step-growth) formed from bifunctional monomers eliminating water or methanol; Bakelite is a step-growth phenol–formaldehyde network. Therefore, among the options, PTFE is the clear example of a chain-growth product.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Classify each listed polymer by mechanism.Recognise PTFE as an addition polymer of TFE.Select “Teflon (PTFE).”Rule out condensation products (nylon-66, PET, Bakelite, polycarbonate).


Verification / Alternative check:
Mechanistic overviews in polymer texts place vinyl polymers (PE, PP, PVC, PTFE, PS) in the chain-growth category.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Nylon-66/PET/Bakelite/polycarbonate: canonical step-growth systems.


Common Pitfalls:
Misclassifying ring-opening (e.g., caprolactam to nylon-6) as chain-growth; although it proceeds by chains, it is a step-growth condensation process at the functional group level.


Final Answer:
Teflon (PTFE)

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