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Chapter 28: Problem 678

Balata is a natural occurring polymer, similar in physical properties to polyethylene. What is its structure?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Balata is a natural occurring polymer similar in physical properties to polyethylene and is classified as a trans-polyisoprene. Its structure can be represented as: \[ -(CH_2-C(CH_3)=CH-CH_2)_n- \] The structure is similar to polyethylene, but with additional methyl side groups, allowing for its unique properties.

Step by step solution

01

Research Balata

Balata is a natural polymer obtained from the latex of trees, predominantly found in South America and West Indies. It was widely used in the 19th and early 20th century as a substitute for rubber. Balata has properties that closely resemble rubber and polyethylene.
02

Understand Polyethylene structure

Polyethylene is a polymer made up of repeating ethylene units. The basic structure of polyethylene is made up of a long carbon chain with hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom. The chemical formula of ethylene is \(C_2H_4\). It has two carbons with a double bond between them and four hydrogen atoms. When polymerized, the double bond in the ethylene unit is broken, and single bonds are formed connecting the carbons of adjacent units, giving the polyethylene structure the following: \[ -(CH_2-CH_2)_n- \] where 'n' represents the number of repeating units.
03

Determine Balata structure

Since Balata is similar in properties to polyethylene, its structure must be comparable to the structure of polyethylene. Balata is chemically classified as a trans-polyisoprene. The basic monomer unit of polyisoprene is isoprene, which has the chemical formula \(C_5H_8\). The structure of isoprene can be represented as: \[ CH_2=C(CH_3)-CH=CH_2 \] When isoprene is polymerized to form Balata, the double bonds between the carbon atoms are broken. Each carbon in the double bond forms a single bond with the carbon of adjacent isoprene units. The resulting polymer, a trans-polyisoprene, has the following structure: \[ -(CH_2-C(CH_3)=CH-CH_2)_n- \] where 'n' represents the number of repeating units.
04

Conclusion

Balata is a natural occurring polymer similar in physical properties to polyethylene. It is classified as a trans-polyisoprene, and its structure can be represented as: \[ -(CH_2-C(CH_3)=CH-CH_2)_n- \] As we've compared with polyethylene, Balata has a similar long chain structure with additional methyl side groups which allow for its unique properties.

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