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Date November 2019 Marks available 1 Reference code 19N.3.sl.TZ0.4
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Predict and Justify Question number 4 Adapted from N/A

Question

Polypropene is used to make many objects including carpets, stationery and laboratory equipment.

Draw a section of an isotactic polypropene polymer chain containing four repeating units.

[1]
a.

Predict, with a reason, whether isotactic or atactic polypropene has the higher melting point.

[1]
b.

Polypropene is a thermoplastic. Outline what is meant by thermoplastic.

[1]
c.

Discuss why the recycling of plastics is an energy intensive process.

[2]
d.

Markscheme

 

NOTE: Continuation bonds must be shown.
Ignore square brackets and “n”.
Do not accept one repeating unit in square brackets with a subscript of 4.
Accept condensed structure provided all C to C bonds are shown and CH3 groups on same side.
Accept

Do not accept syndiotactic (alternating orientation of the CH3 groups).

a.

isotactic «has higher melting point» AND ordered chains pack more closely
OR
isotactic «has higher melting point» AND stronger intermolecular/London/dispersion forces ✔

NOTE: Accept “van der Waals’ forces”/”vdW”.

b.

softens when heated «and hardens when cooled» ✔

c.

Any two of:
collection/transportation of plastic waste ✔
separation of different types «of plastic»
OR
separation of plastic from other materials ✔
melting plastic ✔
processing/washing/cleaning/drying/manufacture of recycled plastic ✔

d.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.
[N/A]
d.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 4: Chemical bonding and structure » 4.4 Intermolecular forces
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