Addition polymerisation with phenylethene

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A white polystyrene food container with the lid off, on a red-pink background

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Use this practical or demonstration as an example of addition polymerisation using phenylethene to form polyphenylethene. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Alkenes (carbon compounds containing carbon–carbon double bonds) undergo addition reactions. In this experiment, students observe the reaction that takes place as molecules of phenylethene or styrene – the monomer – add on to each other to form the polymer polyphenylethene, commonly known as polystyrene.

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