Decoding the Language of Polymers
Welcome to a classic journey through polymer chemistry! In this problem, we are tasked with bridging the gap between the common names of famous industrial molecules and their exact chemical structures. This isn't just about memorization; it's about recognizing the functional groups that give these materials their unique properties.
Let's break down the list systematically.
Analyzing Chloroprene
We begin with Chloroprene. What exactly is it? Its formal IUPAC name is 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene. This tells us we are dealing with a four-carbon chain containing two double bonds (a diene), with a chlorine atom attached to the second carbon.
When we scan the given structures, structure (ii) perfectly matches this description. You can clearly see the zig-zag butadiene backbone and the chlorine atom pointing upwards. Therefore, we can confidently say that (A) matches with (ii).
The Polymerization to Neoprene
Next up is Neoprene. Neoprene is a highly resilient synthetic rubber. But how is it made? It is simply the polymer formed from the chloroprene monomer we just identified.
During addition polymerization, the double bonds in the diene shift, allowing the molecules to link together into a continuous, long chain. Looking at our options, structure (iii) is the only one depicted as a polymer chain, indicated by the brackets and the subscript n. Notice how the repeating unit still retains that signature chlorine atom. Thus, (B) matches with (iii).
Spotting Acrylonitrile
Moving on to Acrylonitrile. This is a very straightforward molecule. It consists of a vinyl group (CH2=CH−) attached directly to a cyanide, or nitrile, group (−CN).
Looking at our choices, structure (iv) is explicitly written out as exactly this formula: CH2=CH−CN. There are no complex skeletal structures to decode here! So, (C) clearly matches with (iv).
The Secret of Isoprene
Finally, we have Isoprene. This is a crucial molecule to remember because it is the fundamental building block (monomer) of natural rubber. Chemically, it is known as 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene.
Notice how similar it is to chloroprene? The only difference is that the chlorine atom is replaced by a methyl group. By elimination, and by looking at structure (i), we see the familiar butadiene backbone with a single, unlabeled line pointing up. In skeletal structures, an unlabeled line represents a methyl (CH3) group. Therefore, (D) matches with (i).
Bringing It All Together
Let's compile our findings:
- (A)→(ii)
- (B)→(iii)
- (C)→(iv)
- (D)→(i)
Checking our given options, this sequence perfectly aligns with option (b).
Pro Tip: Always remember the subtle difference between isoprene and chloroprene. One makes natural rubber, the other makes synthetic neoprene. Just swapping a methyl group for a chlorine atom completely changes the physical properties of the resulting polymer. Keep practicing these structures, and you'll spot them instantly in your exams!