CH 106 - Lesson 2

Nomenclature

Now let's consider how polymers are named. They are simply named after the alkene from which they are made. This is done by adding the prefix poly- to the name of the alkene. Ethene is polymerized into polyethene (that's what the British call it). Since ethene can also be called ethylene, the polymer is also called polyethylene (that's what Americans call it). Propene (also called propylene) can be polymerized to form polypropene (also called polypropylene). That name is often shortened to polyprop when people talk about it in clothing.

This same thing can be done with other alkene units. If you start with styrene units, you end up with a polymer called polystyrene. If you start with vinyl chloride, you end up with polyvinylchloride, usually called PVC. If you start with the unit called tetrafluoroethylene, you would end up with polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also called Teflon.

I would like to offer two reasons as to why the name Teflon is used commercially instead of the name polytetrafluoroethylene. For one thing, Teflon is easier to pronounce and remember. Perhaps equally important, the name Teflon can be trademarked, and polytetrafluoroethylene cannot be. This way, the original makers (DuPont) can claim that they and only they can make Teflon, whereas anyone can claim to make polytetrafluoroethylene.

Practice

Each of the following is either the name of a monomer, structural formula of a monomer, name of a polymer, or structural formula of a polymer. In each case, identify what it is and give the other three corresponding items. (These are also given in Example 10 in your workbook.) Check your answers below before you continue.

Answers

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