Crosslinked copolymers consisting of 35 wt \(\%\) (- ethylene and 65 wt \% propylene may have elastic properties similar to those for natural rubber. For a copolymer of this composition, determine the fraction of both repeat unit types.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The approximate mole fractions of ethylene and propylene in the crosslinked copolymer are 44.8% and 55.2%, respectively.

Step by step solution

01

Calculate the molar mass of ethylene and propylene

To determine the molar mass of ethylene (C2H4), we will count the number of carbon atoms (C) and hydrogen atoms (H) in the compound and multiply them by their respective atomic masses (M(C) = 12.01 g/mol and M(H) = 1.01 g/mol). Molar mass of ethylene (C2H4) = (2 × 12.01) + (4 × 1.01) = 24.02 + 4.04 = 28.06 g/mol Similarly, for propylene (C3H6): Molar mass of propylene (C3H6) = (3 × 12.01) + (6 × 1.01) = 36.03 + 6.06 = 42.09 g/mol
02

Calculate the mass of ethylene and propylene in 100 g of the copolymer

Since we are given the weight percentages of ethylene and propylene, we can assume that we have 100 g of the copolymer. Then, we can calculate the mass of each component using the weight percentages: Mass of ethylene = 35 wt% × 100 g = 35 g Mass of propylene = 65 wt% × 100 g = 65 g
03

Calculate the moles of ethylene and propylene in the copolymer

Now, we will determine the moles of ethylene and propylene in the copolymer using their respective molar masses: Moles of ethylene = mass / molar mass = 35 g / 28.06 g/mol ≈ 1.25 mol Moles of propylene = mass / molar mass = 65 g / 42.09 g/mol ≈ 1.54 mol
04

Calculate the mole fractions of ethylene and propylene

Finally, we can determine the mole fractions of ethylene and propylene in the copolymer. The mole fraction is the ratio of the moles of a component to the total moles in the mixture. Total moles in the copolymer = moles of ethylene + moles of propylene = 1.25 mol + 1.54 mol = 2.79 mol Mole fraction of ethylene = moles of ethylene / total moles = 1.25 mol / 2.79 mol ≈ 0.448 Mole fraction of propylene = moles of propylene / total moles = 1.54 mol / 2.79 mol ≈ 0.552 In summary, the fraction of both repeat unit types in the crosslinked copolymer is approximately 44.8% ethylene and 55.2% propylene.

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