Enthalpy of Polymerization Calculation for Ethylene

In summary, the enthalpy of polymerization is the change in enthalpy that occurs during the formation of a polymer from its monomer units. It is important because it affects the overall energy balance and properties of the resulting polymer. The enthalpy of polymerization can be calculated by taking the difference between the enthalpy of the polymer and the enthalpy of its monomer units. It can be affected by factors such as the type of monomer, reaction conditions, and the presence of catalysts or additives. It differs from the general enthalpy of reaction as it specifically measures the energy changes during polymerization.
  • #1
utkarshakash
Gold Member
854
13

Homework Statement


The polymerization of ethylene to linear polyethylene is represented by the following reaction
[itex]nCH_{2}=CH_{2} \rightarrow (-CH_{2}-CH_{2}-)_{n}[/itex]
where n=large integer value
Calculate the enthalpy of polymerization per mol of ethylene at 298K if average bond enthalpies of bond dissociation for C=C and C-C are 590 and 331kJ/mol respectively

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



For one mole
[itex]ΔH_{poly} = BDE of C=C+4\times BDE C-H - BDE of C-C - 4\times BDE C-H[/itex]
=590-331
=259

But this is not correct.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Please elaborate on the meaning of your symbols.
 

What is the enthalpy of polymerization?

The enthalpy of polymerization is the change in enthalpy that occurs during the formation of a polymer from its monomer units. It is a measure of the energy released or absorbed during the polymerization process.

Why is the enthalpy of polymerization important?

The enthalpy of polymerization is important because it affects the overall energy balance of the polymerization reaction. It can also influence the properties of the resulting polymer, such as its molecular weight and thermal stability.

How is the enthalpy of polymerization calculated?

The enthalpy of polymerization can be calculated by taking the difference between the enthalpy of the polymer and the enthalpy of its monomer units. This can be determined experimentally or through theoretical calculations.

What factors can affect the enthalpy of polymerization?

The enthalpy of polymerization can be affected by a variety of factors, including the type of monomer and the reaction conditions (such as temperature and pressure). The presence of catalysts or other additives can also influence the enthalpy of polymerization.

How does the enthalpy of polymerization differ from the enthalpy of reaction?

The enthalpy of polymerization is a specific type of enthalpy of reaction that only applies to polymerization reactions. It differs from the general enthalpy of reaction in that it specifically measures the energy changes during the formation of a polymer from monomer units.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
16K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
9K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
3K
Back
Top