Polymerisation: past paper questions
Real questions on polymerisation
The newest 20 of 38 written questions, plus 30 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4b(i)[1]
Identify the type of polymerisation that forms poly(propene) from propene. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4b(i)[1]
Identify the type of polymerisation that forms poly(propene) from propene. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8d(ii)[2]
Propanedioyl chloride reacts with an excess of asparagine to form compound G with molecular formula C 11 H 16 N 4 O 8 . Each molecule of compound G has four amide groups. Draw the structure of compound G. Compound G, C 11 H 16 N 4 O 8
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8f[3]
A polymer can form from asparagine, HOOCCH(NH 2 )CH 2 CONH 2 , as the only monomer. Draw a length of the polymer chain containing three monomer residues. Clearly label the repeat unit of the polymer on your diagram.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]
Complete Table 7.1. Table 7.1 monomer type of polymerisation CH 2 C(CH 3 )COOH O Cl OH CH 3 CH(NH 2 )COOH
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2024 · Q4c(ii)[1]
Draw the structure of one repeat unit of polymer C in the box. one repeat unit of polymer C
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2022 · Q4d(i)[1]
Identify the type of polymer that forms from C2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2022 · Q4d(ii)[2]
Draw one repeat unit of the polymer formed from C2. [Total: 14]
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2022 · Q3b(i)[1]
Identify the type of polymer that forms from D2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2022 · Q3b(ii)[2]
Draw one repeat unit of polymer Z.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2022 · Q4d(i)[1]
Identify the type of polymer that forms from C2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2022 · Q4d(ii)[2]
Draw one repeat unit of the polymer formed from C2. [Total: 14]
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2022 · Q7d(ii)[2]
T can polymerise under suitable conditions. No other monomer is involved in this reaction. Draw a section of the polymer chain formed that includes three T monomers. Identify the repeat unit on your diagram. [Total: 17]
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2022 · Q7d(ii)[2]
T can polymerise under suitable conditions. No other monomer is involved in this reaction. Draw a section of the polymer chain formed that includes three T monomers. Identify the repeat unit on your diagram. [Total: 17]
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2022 · Q6d[2]
Asparagine can polymerise to form poly(asparagine). Draw the structure of poly(asparagine), showing two repeat units. The peptide linkage should be shown displayed.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · May/June 2022 · Q8c[2]
A section of a polyester is shown. polyester O O O CH 2 C O CH C O O O CH 2 C O CH 3 CH C CH 3 Fig. 8.1 Draw the structures of the two monomers that form this polyester.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · May/June 2022 · Q8d[2]
Serine can polymerise to form two different types of condensation polymer; a polyester and a polypeptide. serine H 2 C H 2 N C OH O C H OH Fig. 8.2 Draw the structure of the polypeptide showing two repeat units. The peptide linkage should be shown displayed.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · May/June 2022 · Q8e[1]
Explain why condensation polymers normally biodegrade more readily than addition polymers. [Total: 11]
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · May/June 2022 · Q6d[2]
Asparagine can polymerise to form poly(asparagine). Draw the structure of poly(asparagine), showing two repeat units. The peptide linkage should be shown displayed.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2022 · Q4b(ii)[2]
Draw one repeat unit of the addition polymer Perspex®.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The type of polymer formed when using hex-2-ene (C2), is an addition polymer. Many candidates elected to name the polymer rather than the type of polymer.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 9701/21 Q4(d)(i) (Cambridge)
The attempts to draw one repeat unit of the polymer formed from C2, hex-2-ene, were generally quite well answered. Common errors included diagrams with multiple repeat units or incorrect carbon backbones.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 9701/21 Q4(d)(ii) (Cambridge)
Some answers described the functional group present in the polymer rather than the type of polymer made.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 9701/22 Q3(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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