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Separate Chemistry · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · C7

Addition polymerisation

Key ideas1 of 3

Many monomers form one chain

A polymer is a very large molecule made by joining many small molecules called monomers. Alkenes can form addition polymers because their C=C functional groups can react to link molecules together. Ethene forms poly(ethene), and propene forms poly(propene). Each polymer molecule contains many joined monomer units; the name describes the starting monomer rather than a separate substance trapped inside the chain.

An alkene structure and a bracketed repeating unit labelled P and Q.

Next: From monomer to repeating unit and back →
Practice, downloads and sources

Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Foundation + Higher · C7. Use alongside the shared C7 lessons.

AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 · 4.7.3.1. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.