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F324 - Polymers And Synthesis

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Total cards: 24•Content version: v4•Public deck•Updated: 8/1/2026

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#1
Front (Question)

What is the general formula of an amino acid?

Back (Answer)

RCH(NH2)COOH

#2
Front (Question)

What is a peptide?

Back (Answer)

A compound made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

#3
Front (Question)

What is a zwitterion?

Back (Answer)

An internal salt that exists at the isoelectric point. A dipole ionic form of an amino acid that is formed by the donated of a hydrogen ion from the carboxyl group to the amino group. Because both charges are present, there is no over all charge.

#4
Front (Question)

Describe the isoelectric point.

Back (Answer)

The pH value at which the amino acid exists as a zwitterion. Different point for each different R group.

#5
Front (Question)

What does amphoteric mean?

Back (Answer)

Can react with both acids and bases.

#6
Front (Question)

Describe how an amino acid reacts to different pH values.

Back (Answer)

If the pH is more acidic than the isoelectric point: Behaves as a base and accepts a proton at the O- to become OH, positively charged. If the pH is more alkaline than the isoelectric point: Acts as an acid and donate a proton from the NH3+ group to become NH2. Negatively charged, also forms water.

#7
Front (Question)

What is a condensation reaction?

Back (Answer)

One in which two small molecules react together to form a larger molecule with the elimination of a small molecule such as water.

#8
Front (Question)

What is a protein?

Back (Answer)

A long chain of amino acids joined together by peptide linkages.

#9
Front (Question)

What is hydrolysis?

Back (Answer)

The breaking of a bond by reaction with water, it can be catalysed by acid or alkali.

#10
Front (Question)

Describe acid hydrolysis.

Back (Answer)

Forms positively charged amino acids because of the H+ ions preset in the acid. Heated under reflux with HCl

#11
Front (Question)

Describe alkali hydrolysis.

Back (Answer)

Aqueous NaOH at 100*c. Forms a sodium salt and adds a H to one Page 51

#12
Front (Question)

What are stereoisomers?

Back (Answer)

Species with the same structural formula but with a different arrangement if the atoms in space.

#13
Front (Question)

What is a chiral carbon?

Back (Answer)

A carbon atom attached to four different atoms or groups of atoms.

#14
Front (Question)

What are optical isomers?

Back (Answer)

Stereoisomer that are non superimposable mirror images of each other about an organic chiral centre.

#15
Front (Question)

What is the main use of polyesters?

Back (Answer)

Fibres in clothing.

#16
Front (Question)

Describe the formation of terylene.

Back (Answer)

n Ethane-1,2-diol + n Benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid —> (terylene)n + (2n-1) H2O String fibre for carpets and clothing. Page 55

#17
Front (Question)

What is the repeat unit?

Back (Answer)

The specific arrangement of atoms that occurs in the structure repeatedly.

#18
Front (Question)

Describe the formation of poly(lactic acid).

Back (Answer)

One monomer of lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) Biodegradable so used for food and drink cartons.

#19
Front (Question)

Describe the formation of nylon-6,6

Back (Answer)

1,6-diaminohexane + Hexane-1,4-dioic acid Used to make balloon fabric Page 57

#20
Front (Question)

Describe the oration of Kevlar.

Back (Answer)

Benzene-1,4-dioic acid + Benzene-1,4-diamine Protective clothing, fire resistant, strong. Bullet proof vest.

#21
Front (Question)

What is a biodegradable polymer?

Back (Answer)

A polymer that breaks down completely into carbon dioxide and water.

#22
Front (Question)

What is a degradable polymer?

Back (Answer)

A polymer that breaks down into smaller fragments when exposed to light, heat or moisture.

#23
Front (Question)

Describe the hydrolysis of polyesters.

Back (Answer)

Base hydrolysis: Hot aqueous NaOH Forms the sodium salt of the carboxylic acid. Acid hydrolysis: Aqueous HCl Slower than base Monomer units are produced

#24
Front (Question)

Describe the hydrolysis of polyamides.

Back (Answer)

Base hydrolysis: Hot aqueous NaOH Sodium salt of the dicarboxylic acid and the diamine are formed. Acid hydrolysis: Hot aqueous HCl Positive diammonium salt and the dicarboxylic acid are formed. Page 60