Question

Write the partial structure of Neoprene.

Answer 1

Neoprene belongs to the family of synthetic rubbers. Synthetic rubbers are produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene is widely used in manufacturing in sports’ supports medical products etc.

Complete step by step solution:
We are given to write the partial structure of Neoprene.
Neoprene is also called polychloroprene. It is from the family of synthetic rubbers. It has very good chemical stability and it maintains flexibility even at higher temperatures. It does not melt. It provides support as well as comfort by keeping its shape. It is sold in either solid form or in latex form. It is used in manufacturing laptop sleeves, electric insulators, medical braces etc.
Polymerization is a process of combining monomers chemically to produce a very large (giant) chainlike network molecule called a polymer. Monomers which are used can be identical or can be different. The size of monomers is very small compared to the size of polymers.
Neoprene is produced by free radical polymerization of chloroprene (${C_4}H{ _5}Cl$, monomer). Chloroprene is a synthetic conjugated diene, 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene. Commercially, this polymer is produced by free radical emulsion polymerization.
Chloroprene is polymerized into neoprene in the presence of Oxygen or Peroxide.
$n\left[ {C{H_2} = \mathop {\mathop C\limits_| }\limits_{Cl} - CH = C{H_2}} \right]\xrightarrow[{Peroxide}]{{{O_2}}}\left[ { - C{H_2} - \mathop {\mathop C\limits_| }\limits_{Cl} = CH - C{H_2} - } \right]_n$
Initially, Chloroprene has two double bonds and after polymerization there will be only one double bond left in neoprene.

Note:
There are two types of polymerization, Addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization monomers are added together to form a polymer with no by-products whereas in a condensation polymerization, polymer is formed by condensation and small molecules are lost as by-products such as methanol or water. Here in the above solution, it is an addition polymerization as there are no by-products formed.