# Explain why poly(ethene) cannot be used as a fuel, and describe how ethene monomers join together to form poly(ethene). Include in your answer the type of polymerisation involved and the conditions required for the reaction.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — Topic 3 Organic chemistry I · Explain · 5 marks

> Poly(ethene) is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world. It is made from ethene, which is obtained from the cracking of crude oil fractions.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Poly(ethene) cannot be used as a fuel because it does not burn / is difficult to ignite / does not combust easily
2. The C=C double bond in ethene opens up / breaks
3. Many ethene monomers join together / link to form a long chain (polymer)
4. The type of polymerisation is addition polymerisation
5. The reaction requires high pressure and/or a catalyst

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-poly-ethene-cannot-be-used-92405140) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.