Define a free radical and explain why it is so reactive. What ...

[skymedlock]

Define a free radical and explain why it is so reactive.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Achieving a high molecular weight was a major problem in the development of the nylon polymerization process. Why was this so? Suggest a method to overcome the problem.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[reelove4eva]

Answer to Question 1

A free radical is an atom or molecule which has at least one electron which is not paired with another electron. It is so reactive because the natural state of matter is for that unpaired electron to form a bond.

Answer to Question 2

Nylon is made through the condensation polymerization process. Water is a byproduct of the polymerization. After a certain point in the process, the reaction begins to slow because of the abundance of water. Continued reaction becomes increasingly more difficult and chain growth is halted. This gives shorter chain length and lower molecular weight. One method to overcome the overabundance of water in the reaction vessel is to apply a vacuum to the polymerization chamber. By removing the water from the reaction, the molecular weight can continue to grow.

[skymedlock]

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