Question

Which is the monomer of Neoprene in the following?
(A) $C{H_2} = CH - C = CH$
(B) $C{H_2} = C(C{H_3}) - CH = C{H_2}$
(C) $C{H_2} = C(Cl) - CH = C{H_2}$
(D) $C{H_2} = CH - CH = C{H_2}$

Answer 1

You should know that it is a colorless volatile liquid and is exclusively used as a monomer for the production of the polymer polychloroprene which is a type of synthetic rubber.

Complete step by step answer:
- So, basically a molecule or a segment of a particular molecular structure which is repeated many times in a polymer is known as a monomer. Generally monomers have the ability to form chemical bonds to at least two other monomer molecules.
- On the other hand, neoprene is nothing but a synthetic rubber which is produced by polymerization of chloroprene.
- So, yes! Chloroprene is the monomer of neoprene.
- The terminal double bonds are cleaved and those terminal carbons make bonds with other monomers leading to the formation of the polymer in the case of chloroprene.
- Chloroprene is the monomer which is used in the formation of the elastomer neoprene, is prepared from vinylacetylene.
- Chloroprene is the common name for the organic compound 2-chlorobutan-1, 3-diene.
- So, we can say that monomer chloroprene contains chlorine atoms in its structure.
- Chloroprene is not known to occur naturally. It is not widely distributed in the environment due to its reactivity.
- Chloroprene is extremely reactive unless stored in cold storage and under inert gas, and in presence of oxidative inhibitors and free radical scavengers.
Therefore, the monomer of Neoprene is $C{H_2} = C(Cl) - CH = C{H_2}$.
- None of the given options have chlorine atoms in its structure except option (C).

Hence, the correct answer of this question is (C).

Note: You should know that neoprene itself is not considered toxic, but the gases from production can be hazardous. We should also know that producing neoprene contributes to climate change.