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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pl239

The compound shown is polymerised using a free radical initiator. Which statement about the polymerisation is correct?

  1. AStep-growth condensation with elimination of methanol
  2. BChain-growth addition of one monomer, no by-product, giving a thermoplastic
  3. CStep-growth condensation with elimination of water
  4. DChain-growth addition giving a crosslinked thermosetting polymer

Answer: B

Methyl methacrylate has a C=C, so it forms poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, perspex) by chain-growth addition polymerisation. No small molecule is lost, a single monomer is used and the linear chains soften on heating, so PMMA is a thermoplastic. A step-growth route would require two reacting functional groups, and a thermosetting network requires crosslinking.
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