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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pl002

A small amount of a chain transfer agent (such as a thiol or $CCl X_{4}$ ) is added to a free radical polymerisation. The main effect is that

Athe average molar mass of the polymer decreases because growing chains are stopped and new chains are started
Bthe average molar mass of the polymer increases because termination is prevented
Cthe polymer becomes cross-linked
Dthe polymerisation changes to an anionic mechanism

Answer: A

A chain transfer agent hands a hydrogen or halogen to the growing chain, ending it, and the resulting radical starts a new chain. More, shorter chains result, so the molar mass falls.

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