Polymers And Organic Chemistry

Learn and apply Polymers And Organic Chemistry in the published Chemistry course sequence.

GCE A-Level H1 Chemistry 8873-2027

Learning goals

interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes and benzene)
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — halogenoalkanes
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — alcohols (including primary, secondary and tertiary)
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — aldehydes and ketones
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — carboxylic acids
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — esters
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — amines
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — amides
interpret, and use the nomenclature, general formulae and structural formulae (including displayed formulae) of the following classes of compounds: — amino acids
interpret, and use the following terminology associated with organic reactions: — functional group
interpret, and use the following terminology associated with organic reactions: — addition, substitution, elimination
interpret, and use the following terminology associated with organic reactions: — condensation, hydrolysis
interpret, and use the following terminology associated with organic reactions: — oxidation and reduction [in equations for organic redox reactions, the symbols [O] and [H] are acceptable]
describe constitutional (structural) isomerism
describe cis-trans isomerism in alkenes, and explain its origin in terms of restricted rotation due to the presence of π bonds [use of E, Z nomenclature is not required]
deduce the possible isomers for an organic molecule of known molecular formula
— describe the shapes of the ethane, ethene and benzene molecules
— explain the shapes of, and bond angles, in the ethane, ethene and benzene molecules in relation to σ and π carbon-carbon bonds [knowledge of hybridisation is not required]
— predict the shapes of, and bond angles in, molecules analogous to those specified in (f)(ii)
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — alkanes (exemplified by ethane) as being generally unreactive except in terms of combustion and substitution by chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light at room temperature
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — alkenes (exemplified by ethene) in terms of combustion and addition reactions with bromine (in CCl4) and hydrogen (using Ni catalyst)
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — halogenoalkanes (exemplified by bromoethane) in terms of substitution reaction to alcohols (using NaOH(aq), heat) and elimination reactions to alkenes (using NaOH in ethanol and heat)
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — alcohols (exemplified by ethanol) in terms of combustion, oxidation to carboxylic acids (using acidified K2Cr2O7 or acidified KMnO4 and heat) and elimination to alkenes (using concentrated H3PO4 catalyst and heat)
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — aldehydes (exemplified by ethanal) and ketones (exemplified by propanone) in terms of their reduction to primary and secondary alcohols respectively (using LiAlH4, or using H2(g), Ni catalyst) and oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids (using acidified K2Cr2O7 or acidified KMnO4 and heat)
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — carboxylic acids (exemplified by ethanoic acid) in terms of: - reaction with alkalis and carbonates to form salts, - condensation with alcohols to form esters (in the presence of concentrated H2SO4 catalyst), and with amines (exemplified by ethylamine) to form amides (in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, DCC) [knowledge of structure of DCC is not required]
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — esters (exemplified by ethyl ethanoate) and amides (exemplified by ethanamide) in terms of hydrolysis with aqueous acid (or aqueous alkali) and heat [detailed conditions involving specific temperature and pressure values are not required]
describe the chemistry of the following classes of compounds: — amines (exemplified by ethylamine) with aqueous acid to form salts
recognise polymers as macromolecules built up from monomers, with average relative molecular mass of at least 1000 or at least 100 repeat units
classify and explain the difference between addition and condensation polymers
describe proteins as examples of condensation polymers made up of α-amino acids as monomers, forming peptide (amide) bonds
describe the hydrolysis of proteins using aqueous acid (or aqueous alkali) and heat
describe the specific bonds or interactions that stabilise the three-dimensional structure of a protein: hydrogen bonding, intermolecular forces and ionic linkages [knowledge of the specific levels of structure of proteins, including a-helix and β-pleated sheet, is not required.]
explain denaturation of proteins by extremes of temperature and pH changes, in terms of disruption of the bonds or interactions that hold the three-dimensional structure of the proteins (see also LO 7(i))
apply knowledge of the loss and formation of three-dimensional structure to interpret real-world phenomena such as heating of egg whites and addition of vinegar to milk [candidates are not required to identify the proteins in the substances.]
classify and explain the difference between thermoplastic (linear, as exemplified by poly(ethene)) and thermosetting (cross-linked, as exemplified by poly(diallyl phthalate)) polymers with reference to structure, bonding and the following properties: — softening behaviour, including capacity to be recycled
classify and explain the difference between thermoplastic (linear, as exemplified by poly(ethene)) and thermosetting (cross-linked, as exemplified by poly(diallyl phthalate)) polymers with reference to structure, bonding and the following properties: — rigidity
classify and explain the difference between thermoplastic (linear, as exemplified by poly(ethene)) and thermosetting (cross-linked, as exemplified by poly(diallyl phthalate)) polymers with reference to structure, bonding and the following properties: — strength
describe and explain the types of structure and bonding in relation to the properties and uses as exemplified by the following: — low density poly(ethene) (LDPE) in plastic bag and high density poly(ethene) (HDPE) in plastic bottles in relation to LDPE being softer and more flexible, and HDPE being harder and stiffer
describe and explain the types of structure and bonding in relation to the properties and uses as exemplified by the following: — polyester and polyamide as fabric in relation to polyester (exemplified by poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)) as a fabric that is slightly less prone to creasing than polyamide (exemplified by nylon 6,6)
describe and explain the types of structure and bonding in relation to the properties and uses as exemplified by the following: — poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a water-soluble polymer in eye drops and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as a water-resistant polymer used in raincoats
describe and explain the types of structure and bonding in relation to the properties and uses as exemplified by the following: — poly(propene) (PP) container instead of one made from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) to store strongly alkaline cleaning solutions due to hydrolysis of PET
predict physical properties of polymer from its structure
recognise that poly(alkenes) are chemically inert and can therefore be difficult to biodegrade (see also 9(g)(i))
recognise that polyesters and polyamides are generally biodegradable by hydrolysis (see also 9(g)(vii))
recognise that materials are a finite resource and the importance of recycling plastics, considering the economic, environmental and social factors.

What You’ll Learn

Read displayed, structural and skeletal formulae; name the required organic compounds; and distinguish constitutional from cis–trans isomerism.
Explain the shapes and bond angles of ethane, ethene and benzene from their σ and π carbon–carbon bonds, and trace cis–trans isomerism to the restricted rotation a π bond causes.
Predict the specified reactions of hydrocarbons, halogenoalkanes, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives from functional group, reagent and condition.
Explain addition and condensation polymerisation, protein structure, hydrolysis and denaturation.
Connect molecular structure to material properties, selection, recycling and environmental impact.

This sequence follows H1 Chemistry (8873). It develops reaction prediction and structure–property reasoning without importing H2 curly-arrow mechanisms, E/Z notation, optical isomerism or the wider H2 functional-group depth. H3 Chemistry (9813) is a separate syllabus, not a successor course.

Prerequisites

O-Level Organic Chemistry: homologous series, functional groups, simple reactions and polymer basics.
H1 Chemical Bonding: electronegativity, bond polarity, molecular shape and intermolecular forces.
H1 Stoichiometry: balanced equations, formulae and reacting quantities.

Before starting, practise identifying the functional group that changes, counting every carbon atom in a skeletal formula and checking that a proposed product conserves atoms. Those three habits prevent most route-building errors.

Lessons (Recommended Order)

Organic foundations and reactions

Representations and Nomenclature — translate formulae and apply the required naming rules.
Constitutional and Cis–trans Isomerism — test connectivity and the restricted-rotation criterion.
Organic Shapes, Sigma and Pi Bonds — connect local shape and bonding to reactivity.
Hydrocarbons, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols — build the core H1 reaction map.
Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives — predict oxidation, reduction, acid reactions, esterification and hydrolysis.

Macromolecules, proteins and materials

Addition and Condensation Polymers — move between monomer, linkage and repeat unit.
Proteins: Structure, Hydrolysis and Denaturation — distinguish peptide-bond chemistry from loss of higher-order structure.
Polymer Structure, Properties and Use — explain material behaviour from chains and intermolecular attractions.
Polymer Recycling and Sustainability — evaluate end-of-life choices using chemical and environmental evidence.

Follow this order on a first pass. During revision, use the selector inside every lesson to move directly to the weakest link in your reaction or materials reasoning.

Quick Reference

Task	Reliable reasoning chain	Boundary check
predict an organic product	functional group → reagent → condition → bond change → product	no curly-arrow mechanism unless the question supplies one
test cis–trans isomerism	find C = C → inspect both groups on each alkene carbon	each alkene carbon needs two different groups
derive an addition-polymer repeat unit	open C = C → retain substituents → bracket the repeating fragment	no small molecule is eliminated
derive a condensation polymer	locate two functional groups on each monomer → form ester or amide links	show the small molecule eliminated
explain protein denaturation	identify disrupted intermolecular or ionic interactions → connect to shape and function	peptide bonds are not normally hydrolysed
select a polymer	chain structure → intermolecular forces/cross-links → property → use	name the structural evidence
evaluate disposal	identify polymer and contamination → compare reuse, recycling, energy recovery and disposal	weigh trade-offs, not slogans

For multi-step organic questions, record each intermediate before choosing the next reagent. For materials questions, make every property claim traceable to a structural feature.

Common Exam Traps

Adding H2 curly-arrow mechanisms or H2-only reaction detail instead of answering the H1 question asked.
Calling all different drawings isomers without checking molecular formula and connectivity.
Assigning cis–trans isomerism when either alkene carbon carries two identical groups.
Losing a carbon atom while translating a skeletal formula or constructing a repeat unit.
Confusing addition polymerisation with condensation polymerisation and inventing a small-molecule by-product.
Saying denaturation hydrolyses peptide bonds; denaturation primarily disrupts the interactions maintaining higher-order structure.
Naming a useful material property without explaining it from chain flexibility, packing, intermolecular forces or cross-linking.
Declaring one disposal route “sustainable” without considering sorting, contamination, energy demand, emissions and product quality.

Use the final line of an explanation to close the chain: structural feature → interaction or reaction → observed property or consequence.

Hub Quiz and Structured Practice

Start with the H1 Polymers and Organic Chemistry topic quiz to test recall across all nine lessons. Then sit the timed H1 Paper 2 mock for linked reaction, polymer and evidence questions.

Classify each error as representation, reaction choice, condition, repeat-unit construction, structure–property link or evaluation. Revisit the matching lesson through its topic selector, then answer a fresh question without notes.

Practise

Work through questions with marking and feedback as you learn.

About 10 minutes

Questions are picked at random each time you start. You'll see the answer after each question. It's for practice only and doesn't count towards mastery.

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This check needs JavaScript to record answers. The reviewed questions are listed below for study.

Which option names all five compounds correctly and classifies the alcohol and the carbonyl compound correctly? (i) CH₂=C(CH₃)CH₂CH₃ (ii) CH₃CBr(CH₃)CH₂CH₃ (iii) CH₃CH(OH)CH₂CH₃ (iv) CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO (v) CH₃CH₂CH(CH₃)COOH

(i) 2-methylbut-1-ene; (ii) 2-bromo-2-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a secondary alcohol; (iv) butanal, an aldehyde; (v) 2-methylbutanoic acid
(i) 3-methylbut-3-ene; (ii) 2-bromo-2-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a secondary alcohol; (iv) butanal, an aldehyde; (v) 2-methylbutanoic acid
(i) 2-methylbut-1-ene; (ii) 2-bromo-2-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a primary alcohol; (iv) butanone, a ketone; (v) 2-methylbutanoic acid
(i) 2-methylbut-1-ene; (ii) 3-bromo-3-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a secondary alcohol; (iv) butanal, an aldehyde; (v) 3-methylbutanoic acid

Which option names all four compounds correctly? (i) CH₃CH₂COOCH₃ (ii) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂ (iii) CH₃CH₂CH₂CONH₂ (iv) H₂NCH₂COOH

(i) methyl propanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) butanamide; (iv) aminoethanoic acid
(i) propyl methanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) butanamide; (iv) aminoethanoic acid
(i) methyl propanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) butanamide; (iv) 2-aminopropanoic acid
(i) methyl propanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) propanamide; (iv) aminoethanoic acid

Which statements are correct? (1) Ethene reacts with hydrogen over a nickel catalyst in an addition reaction to form ethane. (2) Ethane and chlorine react rapidly by substitution in the dark at room temperature. (3) Heating bromoethane with NaOH(aq) replaces Br by OH in a substitution reaction, forming ethanol.

(1) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)
(3) only
(1) and (2) only

Which statements are correct? (1) Ethanol burns completely in oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. (2) Ethanol heated with concentrated H₃PO₄ undergoes elimination of water to form ethene. (3) Propanone is oxidised to propanoic acid when heated with acidified K₂Cr₂O₇. (4) Ethanal is reduced to ethanol by LiAlH₄ in dry ether.

(1), (2) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(2) and (4) only
(1) and (3) only

Which statements are correct? (1) Poly(propene) is a condensation polymer, because each propene molecule loses a hydrogen atom as it joins the chain. (2) A polyester formed from ethane-1,2-diol and hexanedioic acid is a condensation polymer, because water is eliminated as each ester link forms. (3) The dipeptide H₂NCH₂CONHCH(CH₃)COOH contains one peptide bond, formed between two α-amino acids. (4) Heating this dipeptide with NaOH(aq) hydrolyses the peptide bond, giving H₂NCH₂COO⁻Na⁺ and H₂NCH(CH₃)COO⁻Na⁺.

(2), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(2) and (3) only
(4) only

Which statements are correct? (1) Benzene is a planar hexagonal molecule with C–C–C bond angles of 120°, and its π electrons are delocalised above and below the ring. (2) In propene, CH₂=CHCH₃, every bond angle is about 120°, because the molecule contains a C=C bond. (3) 1,2-dichloroethene shows cis–trans isomerism but 1,1-dichloroethene does not, because in 1,1-dichloroethene one carbon of the C=C bond carries two identical atoms. (4) C₃H₈O has three constitutional isomers: propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol and methoxyethane.

(1), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(1) and (3) only
(4) only

Which statements are correct? (1) Ethanoic acid and ethylamine form N-ethylethanamide in the presence of DCC, in a condensation reaction. (2) Ethylamine reacts with aqueous hydrochloric acid in a condensation reaction to form an amide. (3) Ethanamide heated with dilute HCl(aq) is hydrolysed to ethanoic acid and ammonium chloride. (4) Ethanoic acid reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form sodium ethanoate and water.

(1), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(3) and (4) only
(1) only

Adding vinegar (aqueous ethanoic acid) to milk makes the milk proteins curdle. Which explanation is correct?

H⁺ ions protonate –COO⁻ groups on the side chains, so ionic linkages between –COO⁻ and –NH₃⁺ groups are broken; the proteins lose their three-dimensional shape and coagulate.
Lowering the pH converts –NH₃⁺ groups on the side chains to –NH₂, breaking the ionic linkages.
The H⁺ ions form extra ionic linkages that make each protein fold more tightly and sink.
Ethanoic acid breaks the covalent bonds along each protein chain at room temperature, releasing small molecules that precipitate.

Which statements are correct? (1) A saucepan handle is made from a thermosetting polymer because its cross-linked network does not soften when hot, and it is hard and strong because deforming it would require covalent cross-links to break. (2) LDPE is used for plastic bags because its highly branched chains cannot pack closely, so the attractions between chains are weaker and the material is soft and flexible. (3) A polymer of long, unbranched chains with no cross-links is predicted to be more rigid than a heavily cross-linked polymer, because its chains are straighter. (4) Nylon 6,6 fabric is less prone to creasing than PET fabric.

(1) and (2) only
(1), (2) and (3) only
(1) and (4) only
(2) only

Which statements are correct? (1) PVC is used for raincoats because it is water-resistant: its chains do not form hydrogen bonds with water. (2) A PET bottle holding strongly alkaline drain cleaner weakens, because OH⁻ ions hydrolyse its ester links. (3) Poly(propene) biodegrades more readily than polyesters, because its C–C bonds are easily hydrolysed while ester links are inert. (4) When deciding whether to recycle plastics, only environmental factors need to be considered.

(1) and (2) only
(1), (2) and (3) only
(1) and (4) only
(2) only

Practise after feedback

After a check, practise the skills it showed you need to work on.

About 10 minutes

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Recent attempts

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This check needs JavaScript to record answers. The reviewed questions are listed below for study.

(i) 2-methylbut-1-ene; (ii) 2-bromo-2-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a secondary alcohol; (iv) butanal, an aldehyde; (v) 2-methylbutanoic acid
(i) 3-methylbut-3-ene; (ii) 2-bromo-2-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a secondary alcohol; (iv) butanal, an aldehyde; (v) 2-methylbutanoic acid
(i) 2-methylbut-1-ene; (ii) 2-bromo-2-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a primary alcohol; (iv) butanone, a ketone; (v) 2-methylbutanoic acid
(i) 2-methylbut-1-ene; (ii) 3-bromo-3-methylbutane; (iii) butan-2-ol, a secondary alcohol; (iv) butanal, an aldehyde; (v) 3-methylbutanoic acid

Which option names all four compounds correctly? (i) CH₃CH₂COOCH₃ (ii) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂ (iii) CH₃CH₂CH₂CONH₂ (iv) H₂NCH₂COOH

(i) methyl propanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) butanamide; (iv) aminoethanoic acid
(i) propyl methanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) butanamide; (iv) aminoethanoic acid
(i) methyl propanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) butanamide; (iv) 2-aminopropanoic acid
(i) methyl propanoate; (ii) butylamine; (iii) propanamide; (iv) aminoethanoic acid

(1) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)
(3) only
(1) and (2) only

(1), (2) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(2) and (4) only
(1) and (3) only

(2), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(2) and (3) only
(4) only

(1), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(1) and (3) only
(4) only

(1), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(3) and (4) only
(1) only

Adding vinegar (aqueous ethanoic acid) to milk makes the milk proteins curdle. Which explanation is correct?

H⁺ ions protonate –COO⁻ groups on the side chains, so ionic linkages between –COO⁻ and –NH₃⁺ groups are broken; the proteins lose their three-dimensional shape and coagulate.
Lowering the pH converts –NH₃⁺ groups on the side chains to –NH₂, breaking the ionic linkages.
The H⁺ ions form extra ionic linkages that make each protein fold more tightly and sink.
Ethanoic acid breaks the covalent bonds along each protein chain at room temperature, releasing small molecules that precipitate.

(1) and (2) only
(1), (2) and (3) only
(1) and (4) only
(2) only

(1) and (2) only
(1), (2) and (3) only
(1) and (4) only
(2) only

Check what I know

Start here to see which parts you already know.

About 8 minutes

Answer 10 short questions. It shows what to work on next and doesn't count towards mastery.

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This check needs JavaScript to record answers. The reviewed questions are listed below for study.

Which option names all five compounds correctly and classifies the alcohol and the carbonyl compound correctly? (i) CH₃CH₂CH=CHCH₃ (ii) CH₃CHClCH₂CH₃ (iii) (CH₃)₃COH (iv) CH₃CH₂COCH₂CH₃ (v) CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂COOH

(i) pent-2-ene; (ii) 2-chlorobutane; (iii) 2-methylpropan-2-ol, a tertiary alcohol; (iv) pentan-3-one, a ketone; (v) 3-methylbutanoic acid
(i) pent-3-ene; (ii) 2-chlorobutane; (iii) 2-methylpropan-2-ol, a tertiary alcohol; (iv) pentan-3-one, a ketone; (v) 3-methylbutanoic acid
(i) pent-2-ene; (ii) 2-chlorobutane; (iii) 2-methylpropan-2-ol, a secondary alcohol; (iv) pentan-3-one, an aldehyde; (v) 3-methylbutanoic acid
(i) pent-2-ene; (ii) 3-chlorobutane; (iii) 2-methylpropan-2-ol, a tertiary alcohol; (iv) pentan-3-one, a ketone; (v) 2-methylbutanoic acid

Which option names all four compounds correctly? (i) CH₃COOCH₂CH₂CH₃ (ii) CH₃CH₂CH₂NH₂ (iii) CH₃CH₂CONH₂ (iv) H₂NCH(CH₃)COOH

(i) propyl ethanoate; (ii) propylamine; (iii) propanamide; (iv) 2-aminopropanoic acid
(i) ethyl propanoate; (ii) propylamine; (iii) propanamide; (iv) 2-aminopropanoic acid
(i) propyl ethanoate; (ii) propanamide; (iii) propylamine; (iv) 2-aminopropanoic acid
(i) propyl ethanoate; (ii) propylamine; (iii) propanamide; (iv) 3-aminopropanoic acid

Which statements are correct? (1) Ethane reacts with chlorine in ultraviolet light at room temperature in a substitution reaction, forming chloroethane and hydrogen chloride. (2) Ethene reacts with bromine dissolved in tetrachloromethane in an addition reaction, forming 1,2-dibromoethane. (3) Bromoethane heated with sodium hydroxide dissolved in ethanol undergoes substitution, forming ethanol.

(1) and (2) only
(1), (2) and (3)
(2) only
(1) and (3) only

Which statements are correct? (1) Ethanol heated under reflux with excess acidified K₂Cr₂O₇ is oxidised to ethanoic acid, and the solution turns from orange to green. (2) Propanone is reduced by LiAlH₄ in dry ether to propan-1-ol. (3) Ethanal is oxidised to ethanoic acid by hot acidified KMnO₄, and it is reduced to ethanol by hydrogen with a nickel catalyst.

(1) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)
(3) only
(1) and (2) only

Which statements are correct? (1) Poly(ethene) is an addition polymer: each molecule is a macromolecule of thousands of repeat units formed from ethene with no other product. (2) The polymer formed from hexane-1,6-diamine and hexanedioic acid is an addition polymer, because its monomers join end to end into long chains. (3) Proteins are condensation polymers of α-amino acids joined by peptide (amide) bonds. (4) Heating a protein with aqueous acid hydrolyses its peptide bonds, releasing its amino acids (as their protonated forms).

(1), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(1) and (3) only
(4) only

Which statements are correct? (1) In but-2-ene, the bond angles around each carbon atom of the C=C bond are about 120°, and those two carbons and the four atoms bonded to them lie in one plane. (2) Cis- and trans-but-2-ene exist because the π bond, formed by sideways overlap of p orbitals above and below the plane, prevents rotation about the C=C bond. (3) C₄H₈ has four alkene isomers: but-1-ene, cis-but-2-ene, trans-but-2-ene and 2-methylpropene; but-1-ene, but-2-ene and 2-methylpropene are constitutional isomers, with different connectivity. (4) Each carbon atom in ethane has its four σ bonds arranged at 90° to one another in a plane.

(1), (2) and (3) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(2) and (3) only
(1) only

Which statements are correct? (1) Ethanoic acid reacts with aqueous sodium carbonate to form sodium ethanoate, water and carbon dioxide. (2) Ethanoic acid and ethylamine form N-ethylethanamide in the presence of DCC, in a condensation reaction. (3) Ethyl ethanoate heated with NaOH(aq) is hydrolysed to ethanoic acid and ethanol. (4) Ethylamine reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form the salt ethylammonium chloride.

(1), (2) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(2) and (4) only
(1) only

Egg white is a solution of proteins in water. On heating, it turns into an opaque white solid. Which explanation is correct?

Heating disrupts the hydrogen bonds, intermolecular forces and ionic linkages that hold each protein in its three-dimensional shape; the unfolded chains tangle together and coagulate, while the covalent chains stay intact.
Heating breaks the covalent bonds along each protein chain, splitting it into small molecules that then solidify.
Heating forms new covalent bonds that join the proteins into a single giant molecule, as in a thermosetting polymer.
Heating strengthens the hydrogen bonds in each protein, so it folds more tightly and falls out of solution.

Which statements are correct? (1) Poly(diallyl phthalate), a thermosetting polymer, does not soften when heated and cannot be remoulded or recycled by melting, because its chains are joined by covalent cross-links. (2) Poly(ethene) is more rigid and stronger than poly(diallyl phthalate), because its linear chains are joined to each other by covalent bonds. (3) HDPE is harder and stiffer than LDPE, because its chains have little branching, pack closely and have stronger instantaneous dipole–induced dipole attractions between them. (4) Polyester (PET) fabric is slightly less prone to creasing than polyamide (nylon 6,6) fabric.

(1), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(3) and (4) only
(1) only

Which statements are correct? (1) PVA dissolves in water, which suits its use in eye drops, because its many –OH groups form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. (2) PET is preferred to poly(propene) for storing strongly alkaline cleaning solutions, because its ester links are unreactive towards OH⁻ ions. (3) Poly(ethene) persists in landfill because its non-polar C–C and C–H bonds are chemically inert, whereas polyamides can biodegrade by hydrolysis of their amide links. (4) Most plastics are made from crude oil, a finite resource, so recycling conserves raw materials, but its benefits must be weighed against the costs of collecting, sorting and cleaning waste.

(1), (3) and (4) only
(1), (2), (3) and (4)
(3) and (4) only
(1) only

Check my progress

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Review

Come back later to see whether your learning has lasted.

About 10 minutes

Answer 10 questions. You'll see your score, the answers and explanations at the end. A scheduled review counts towards your course progress only when it is due.

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Final revision cycle

For a strong final revision cycle:

rebuild the H1 organic reaction map from functional groups rather than memorised page order;
translate one monomer/repeat-unit pair in both directions;
explain one protein or polymer property from molecular structure;
evaluate one sustainability choice using at least two benefits and two limitations.

Then connect the topic to H1 Energetics and H1 Reaction Kinetics when a question asks why a process is feasible, fast enough or industrially appropriate.

Polymers And Organic Chemistry

What You’ll Learn

Prerequisites

Quick Reference

Hub Quiz and Structured Practice

Practise

Practice complete

Your answers

Practise after feedback

Practice complete

Your answers

Check what I know

Starting check complete

Your answers

Check my progress

Progress check complete

Your answers

Check again

Progress check complete

Your answers

Review

Review complete

Your answers

Final revision cycle