# Propene can be used as a monomer to make the polymer poly(propene) by addition polymerisation. Describe the process of addition polymerisation and explain why propene, but not propane, can undergo this reaction.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Many small molecules (monomers) join together to form a very large molecule (polymer)
2. The monomers are joined by covalent bonds
3. No other product / no small molecule is lost — it is an addition reaction (nothing is given off)
4. Propene is unsaturated / has a carbon–carbon double bond
5. The double bond in propene opens / breaks to allow monomers to join together; propane has no double bond so cannot react in this way

## 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 "Describe and 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/propene-can-be-used-as-a-9a14145a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.