Question

Define the term ‘homo-polymerization’ giving an example.

Answer 1

Polymerization is a process of reacting monomer molecules together in a chemical reaction to form long polymer chains. It is distinguished into two types, namely homo-polymerization and copolymerization based on the number of monomers used.

Complete answer:
- Polymers are the high molecular mass compounds which are made up of the large number of the repeating structural units known as monomers through covalent bonds in a regular manner and polymer can be formed from only monomers or from two or more different monomers. This process of formation of the polymers is known as the polymerization.
- In a chemical compound, polymerization can occur by various types of reaction mechanisms that vary in complexity due to the functional groups present in the reactants and the steric effects that are present.
- In simple polymerizations, alkenes form polymers through relatively simple free radical reactions. In contrast, reactions involving substitution at a carbonyl group require more complex synthesis due to the way in which reactants polymerize and steric hindrance offered by neighboring groups.
- By the word homo, we mean one and by the word polymer, we mean the repeating structural units. So, homo-polymerization is a type of polymerization reaction which is made up of only one type of monomer.

$$\begin{aligned} A+A+..\rightarrow AA.. \end{aligned}$$

- Examples of homo-polymer: polythene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile, etc.

Note:
Polymers are high molecular mass compounds, obtained by joining together a large number of simple molecules through covalent bonds in a regular manner. Homopolymer is that polymer which is made up of only one type of the monomer.