# Tetrafluoroethene (CF₂=CF₂) undergoes addition polymerisation to form poly(tetrafluoroethene), known as PTFE. Explain how addition polymerisation produces PTFE from tetrafluoroethene monomers, and describe two features of the polymer that are different from the monomer.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The C=C double bond in tetrafluoroethene breaks / opens during polymerisation
2. Many monomers join together to form a long chain / large molecule
3. The monomers are joined by covalent bonds
4. The polymer contains no C=C double bonds / is saturated (whereas the monomer is unsaturated)
5. The polymer has a much larger molecular mass / longer chain than the monomer

## 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)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/tetrafluoroethene-cf-cf-undergoes-addition-polymerisation-to-44e35e12) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.