View Full Version : Is a polymer a alkene or a alkane?
JellyBean123
Oct 11, 2011, 11:26 PM
Could any one tell me if a polymer is a alkene or a alkane?
Thanks for reading x
Unknown008
Oct 12, 2011, 02:09 AM
A polymer is an alkene when you can find a double bond between two consecutive carbon atoms and there are only hydrogen or carbon atoms bonded to the two carbon atoms concerned, and the only elements present are carbon and hydrogen.
A polymer is an alkane when you have only single bonds between the carbon atoms and there is only carbon and hydrogen in the polymer.
DrBob1
Oct 12, 2011, 08:11 AM
Polymers can fall into both of the classes you cite: Polyethylene is an alkane, natural rubber is an alkene.
There are, of course, many other types of polymers: Nylon (polyamide) polyester (PETE), etc.
JellyBean123
Oct 12, 2011, 11:01 PM
thanks =0)