1. Module 6

1.33. Page 5

Module 6 Lesson 6

Module 6—Petrochemicals

Lesson Summary


In Lesson 6 you considered the following questions:

  • How do natural and synthetic polymers compare?
  • What are other reaction mechanisms by which polymers can be made?

There are many examples of synthetic and natural polymers that can be produced through condensation polymerization. Specifically, you considered polyester, proteins and nylon, and carbohydrates and cellulose acetate.

 

You also further considered the effect of the petrochemical industry and its offshoot industries on the environment, and you took a look at bioplastics.

 

Lesson Glossary

 

amide functional group: a group of atoms composed by connecting a carboxyl group to an amine group

 

condensation polymerization: a reaction in which a water molecule is produced when two monomers are chemically joined

 

nylon: a synthetic condensation polymer

 

proteins: natural polymers of amino acids forming the basic material of living things