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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pl055

Two growing polystyrene radicals, of 400 and 600 monomer units, terminate (ignore initiator fragments). Which outcome is correct?

  1. ACombination gives one chain of 1000 units; disproportionation gives two chains of 400 and 600 units, one saturated and one with a terminal double bond
  2. BCombination gives two chains of 400 and 600 units; disproportionation gives one chain of 1000 units
  3. CCombination gives one chain of 1000 units; disproportionation gives one chain of 500 units twice
  4. DBoth modes give one chain of 1000 units, but disproportionation also releases hydrogen gas

Answer: A

Combination joins the two radical ends to form a single dead chain with DP . Disproportionation transfers a hydrogen atom from one chain end to the other, leaving the chain lengths unchanged and giving one saturated and one terminally unsaturated chain.
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