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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper II covers organic chemistry and spectroscopy.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2024 · Paper II

Q6(a)(i). Benzoyl peroxide-initiated polymerisation of ethylene

Question

Explain the various steps involved in the benzoyl peroxide-initiated polymerisation of ethylene to give polyethylene.

Answer in brief

Radical chain (addition) polymerisation: initiation, propagation, termination, with chain transfer causing branching.

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The full model answer

As written for the answer booklet: the diagram carries the working, the lines stay short. Read here only; it is not offered as a download.

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Topic notes: polymers: polymerisation, Ziegler–Natta and molar mass, with every Civil Services, IFoS and Geo-Scientist PYQ →

Coversfree radical polymerisationbenzoyl peroxidepolyethyleneLDPEchain transferback-biting

All parts of Question 6