A polymer has the following structure - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 17 - 2016 - Paper 1

To determine the correct monomer from which the given polymer can be produced, we analyze the structure of the polymer. The polymer features a long chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached, indicative of a repeating unit derived from an alkene monomer.

The polymer can be noted to have double bonds between carbon atoms, suggesting that it is formed through the polymerization of a conjugated diene or a similar structure.

Now, if we look at the options:

• (A) H₃C−C=C−CH₃: This compound has a double bond and could potentially form a polymer chain similar to the one shown, but it cannot match the structure of the polymer correctly.

• (B) H−C=C−C−CH₃: This does not match the structural requirements for the polymerization given its chain length.

• (C) HO−C=C−C−OH: This option suggests the presence of hydroxyl groups which is unlikely for the polymer structure given.

• (D) H−C=C−CH₃: This is a simple alkene, known as propene, which can undergo polymerization, forming a long carbon chain with repeating units.

Thus, option (D) is the correct answer, as it represents the monomer that can be polymerized to form the given polymer structure.