Empirical Tuition

#38 - Condensation Polymers

Learn about condensation polymers: formed when a diol reacts with a dicarboxylic acid, producing a polyester and water. These polymers are used in fabrics and biodegradable materials like biopolyesters, which decompose quickly, helping to reduce landfill waste.

#37 - Addition Polymers

Learn about addition polymers: formed by joining monomers with C=C bonds, such as ethene to polyethene. Polymers are non-biodegradable, causing environmental issues like landfill buildup and ocean pollution. Disposing involves burning, which releases harmful gases, or recycling, which is labour-intensive but eco-friendly.

#36 - Esters

Learn about esters, formed when an alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst like sulfuric acid. Esters are volatile, have fruity smells, and are used in perfumes and flavorings. For example, ethyl ethanoate, made from ethanol and ethanoic acid, smells faintly of pineapples.

#35 - Organic Compounds Part 2

Learn about alcohols and carboxylic acids. Alcohols are used as fuels and solvents. They can be oxidized to carboxylic acids, such as ethanoic acid in vinegar. Ethanol is produced industrially from ethene or via fermentation. Carboxylic acids react with metals and carbonates, forming salts.

#34 - Alkanes and Alkenes

Learn about alkanes and alkenes: alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds, while alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with carbon-carbon double bonds. Alkanes undergo substitution reactions with halogens under UV light, while alkenes participate in addition reactions, forming dihaloalkanes. Bromine water distinguishes alkenes by turning colorless, while alkanes remain unchanged.