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Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry

Topic 20
Polymerisation

Topic 20 covers addition polymerisation at AS Level: poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene) as examples, deducing repeat units from monomers and monomers from polymer chains, and the difficulty of disposing of poly(alkene)s.

Exam Papers
Papers 1 & 2
9701/1 and 9701/2 (AS Level)
Learning Outcomes
20.1.1 – 20.1.4
4 outcomes
Topic Parts
2 parts
Polymerisation and Polymer Waste
Exam Board
Cambridge
CIE 9701 (2025-2027)

Revision Notes

Work through each part of Cambridge Topic 20 in a structured sequence.

Addition polymers
Polymerisation
Reactions
1

Polymerisation Reactions

Addition polymerisation of ethene, propene and chloroethene, repeat units and monomers.

Start revising
Disposal
Polymer
Waste
2

Polymer Waste

Non-biodegradability of poly(alkene)s, harmful combustion products, incineration, recycling and cracking.

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Specification Coverage

Topic 20 Polymerisation – Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry

The following Cambridge learning outcomes state what candidates should be able to do for Topic 20. Wording is taken from the Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 syllabus for 2025 to 2027.

20.1 Addition polymerisation

20.1.1
describe addition polymerisation as exemplified by poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene), PVC
20.1.2
deduce the repeat unit of an addition polymer obtained from a given monomer
20.1.3
identify the monomer(s) present in a given section of an addition polymer molecule
20.1.4
recognise the difficulty of the disposal of poly(alkene)s, i.e. non-biodegradability and harmful combustion products