# Addition polymerisation is used to make poly(ethene) from ethene monomers. Explain how the structure of ethene makes addition polymerisation possible, and describe what happens to the monomers during the reaction to form a polymer.

> AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.3.12 Polymers (A-Level only) · Explain · 5 marks

> Ethene is produced by cracking longer-chain hydrocarbons. It is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with the general formula C₂H₄.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethene contains a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C)
2. The double bond makes ethene unsaturated
3. The double bond opens / breaks during the reaction
4. Many monomers join together (to form a long chain / polymer)
5. No other product / small molecule is formed (addition polymerisation produces only the polymer)

## Key terms

- [addition polymerisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/addition-polymerisation)
- [monomer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomer)
- [polymer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polymer)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/addition-polymerisation-is-used-to-make-6b9cad38) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.