Question:

Which of the following monomers form biodegradable polymers ?

Updated On: Apr 10, 2025
  • Ethylene glycol and pthalic acid
  • Caprolactum and 1,3- Butadiene
  • Phenol and formaldehyde
  • 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

  • Option A: Phenol and formaldehyde

Forms phenolic resins, which are not biodegradable. These are synthetic materials that do not degrade easily in nature.

  • Option B: 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid

Correct. These monomers form polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are biodegradable polymers. PHAs are produced by bacteria and can decompose naturally in the environment.

  • Option C: Ethylene glycol and phthalic acid

Forms polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is not biodegradable. PET is commonly used for bottles and fibers but is resistant to biodegradation.

  • Option D: Caprolactam and 1,3-Butadiene

Forms nylon 6 and synthetic rubber, which are both not biodegradable. These materials do not easily break down in the environment.

Conclusion:

The correct answer is Option B: 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid, as they form biodegradable polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs).

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Approach Solution -2

Biodegradable polymers are made from monomers that can degrade naturally in the environment. Among the given options:

Option A (Ethylene glycol and phthalic acid): These monomers form PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is not biodegradable.
Option B (Caprolactam and 1, 3-Butadiene): Caprolactam forms Nylon-6, which is not biodegradable. 1, 3-Butadiene is used in synthetic rubber production.
Option C (Phenol and formaldehyde): These form phenolic resins, which are not biodegradable.
Option D (3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid): These monomers are used to form polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are biodegradable polymers.

Therefore, the correct answer is: \({\text{(D) 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid}}\)

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