Question

Zinc acetate - antimony trioxide catalyst is used in the preparation of which polymer?

• A. High-density polyethylene
• B. Teflon
• C. Terylene
• D. PVC

Hint:

Terylene (Dacron) is a polyester polymer used in textiles and packaging.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Polymerization Process 
- Zinc acetate and antimony trioxide catalyze the formation of polyesters. - These catalysts are used in the production of Terylene (Dacron), a polyester.
Step 2: Comparison of Polymers 
High-density polyethylene, 
Teflon, and PVC do not require these catalysts. 
Terylene is synthesized using zinc acetate-antimony trioxide as a catalyst.
Final Answer: Since Terylene is produced using this catalyst system, the correct answer is (C).

Answer 2

ZINC ACETATE - ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE CATALYST IN TERYLENE PRODUCTION

Zinc acetate and antimony trioxide serve as an essential catalyst system in the industrial synthesis of Terylene, a prominent polyester polymer. Terylene, chemically known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is produced by the condensation polymerization of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. These catalysts play a critical role in enhancing the rate of the esterification and polycondensation reactions involved in the formation of the polymer chains. Specifically, zinc acetate acts to activate the carboxyl groups of terephthalic acid, while antimony trioxide facilitates the removal of water molecules generated during the polymerization process. This combined catalytic action helps achieve a high molecular weight polymer with improved structural integrity. Terylene is valued for its excellent tensile strength, durability, resistance to stretching and shrinking, and chemical stability, making it a widely used fiber in textiles, apparel, and industrial applications. Without the effective catalytic action of zinc acetate and antimony trioxide, producing Terylene with desirable properties would be inefficient and economically unfeasible. Hence, the zinc acetate - antimony trioxide catalyst system is fundamental to the commercial production of high-quality Terylene polyester fibers.