Question

What are \( X \) and \( Y \) in the following reaction? $$ \text{nCl/CH}_2 \xrightarrow{X} Y $$

• A. \( \text{Na} / \text{NH}_3(l) \) - thermosetting polymer
• B. \( (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COO})_2 \) - thermoplastic polymer
• C. \( \text{Na} / \text{NH}_3(l) \) - condensation polymer
• D. \( (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COO})_2 \) - Network polymer

Hint:

Thermoplastic polymers are linear or branched polymers that can be melted and reshaped, making them suitable for applications requiring flexibility and recyclability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Analyze the Reaction. 
The given reaction is: 
$$ \text{nCl/CH}_2 \xrightarrow{X} Y $$ This represents the polymerization of ethylene chloride (\(Cl/CH_2\) or \(H_2C=CH_2\)) to form a polymer. The reactant \(Cl/CH_2\) suggests that it is ethylene chloride, which can undergo polymerization under specific conditions. 
Step 2: Identify the Polymerization Process. 
Ethylene chloride (\(H_2C=CH_2\)) can undergo polymerization to form polyethylene (PE). However, the presence of chlorine (\(Cl\)) indicates that this might be a more complex reaction involving substitution or addition reactions before polymerization. 
Step 3: Determine \( X \) and \( Y \). 
To identify \( X \) and \( Y \), we need to consider the reagents and products: 1. Reagent \( X \):
The reagent \( X \) is typically a catalyst or initiator for the polymerization reaction.
Common initiators for polymerization include metallic compounds like sodium (Na) in liquid ammonia (\(NH_3(l)\)), which can act as a reducing agent or catalyst. 2. Product \( Y \):
The product \( Y \) is the polymer formed from the monomer \(Cl/CH_2\).
Ethylene chloride (\(H_2C=CH_2\)) can undergo polymerization to form polyethylene (PE). 
Step 4: Match with Options. 
The options provided are: 
(1) \( \text{Na} / \text{NH}_3(l) \) - thermosetting polymer 
(2) \( (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COO})_2 \) - thermoplastic polymer 
(3) \( \text{Na} / \text{NH}_3(l) \) - condensation polymer 
(4) \( (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COO})_2 \) - Network polymer 
Option 1: \( \text{Na} / \text{NH}_3(l) \) - thermosetting polymer 
Thermosetting polymers are cross-linked polymers that do not melt upon heating. This does not match the context of the reaction. 
Option 2: \( (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COO})_2 \) - thermoplastic polymer 
Thermoplastic polymers are linear or branched polymers that can be melted and reshaped. This matches the context of the reaction, as ethylene chloride polymerizes to form a thermoplastic polymer like polyethylene. 
Option 3: \( \text{Na} / \text{NH}_3(l) \) - condensation polymer 
Condensation polymers are formed by a condensation reaction, which involves the elimination of small molecules (e.g., water). This does not match the context of the reaction. 
Option 4: \( (\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COO})_2 \) - Network polymer 
Network polymers are highly cross-linked structures, similar to thermosetting polymers. This does not match the context of the reaction. 
Step 5: Correct Answer. 
The correct option is: 
$$ \boxed{2} $$