Polymers

Acrilan is a hard, horny and a high melting material. Which one of the following represents its structure?

1. [figure]
2. [figure]
3. [figure]
4. [figure]

Answer

(1) [figure]

Solution

As per NCERT, polyacrylonitrile is made by addition polymerisation of acrylonitrile in presence of a peroxide catalyst; it is used as a substitute for wool in making commercial fibres such as orlon or acrilan.

nCH2=CH-CN Polymerisation -[CH2-CH(CN)]n-

⇒ The repeat unit carries a –CN group on alternate carbon atoms.

∵ (2) is polymethyl methacrylate, (3) is polyethyl acrylate and (4) is polyvinyl chloride.

∴ Structure (1) represents acrilan.

Answer: (1)