Condensation Polymers: Comparing A & B

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the comparison of two condensation polymers: Polymer A, prepared from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, and Polymer B, prepared from glycerol and terephthalic acid. Key conclusions indicate that Polymer A is predicted to have a higher melting point due to its structural efficiency in hydrogen bonding, while Polymer B may exhibit greater flexibility due to its atactic nature. The discussion also highlights the ambiguity in defining "weaker" in the context of polymer strength and the influence of molecular structure on hydrogen bonding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of condensation polymers
  • Knowledge of polymer chemistry, specifically ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid reactions
  • Familiarity with molecular weight concepts in polymers
  • Basic principles of hydrogen bonding in polymer structures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of atactic versus syndiotactic polymers
  • Explore the effects of molecular structure on polymer melting points
  • Study the role of hydrogen bonding in polymer strength
  • Investigate the synthesis and applications of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
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Chemists, materials scientists, and students studying polymer chemistry who are interested in the properties and applications of condensation polymers.

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Can someone please help me with this question? Thanx
Choose those statements that are correct about the following two condensation polymers:

(A) Prepared from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid
and
(B) Prepared from glycerol (CH2OHCHOHCH2OH) and terephthalic acid

Both polymers have about the same molecular weight.
a) polymer (A) would be predicted to be weaker

b) polymer (A) would be predicted to be more flexible

c) Both polymers are attracted to each other by strong hydrogen bonds

d) polymer (A) would be predicted to have the higher melting point
 
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The question is pretty standard.

a) not sure what they mean by "weaker," perhaps something in relevance to bullet proof glass. In this case, you need to determine if the polymer belongs to syndatic, atactic, etc...(should find it in your text).

b)I believe it is atatic polymers which exhibit such flexibility as rubber, although I'm not absolutely sure of this.

c)A polymer with alternating R groups would have the stronger hydrogen bond. This question is worded rather poorly, not very clear, since hydrogen bonds are strong to begin with.

d)both polymers have the same molecular weight and thus if there are any differences in this factor it is due to the effeciency of hydrogen bonding due to structure.
 

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