Q. A polymer is heated with concentrated sodium hydroxide. An alkaline gas is given off. What is the polymer?

1. Carbohydrate.
2. Polyethene.
3. Polyester.
4. Nylon.

Ans: ?


honestly, i DO NOT know of the answer, but here's a lil my personal analysis...

for option 1, let's say the carbohydrate is hydrolised. this means tt the conc. sodium hydroxide loses even more water content and turns into solid.

option 2, polyethene... would thr even b a reaction? i doubt so, but even if thr is, the sodium hydroxide shud not b affected, rite?

option 3, the polyester is hydrolised, forming an acid & alcohol. the acid produced would react with the alkali, sodium hydroxide, forming a salt. so overall, a salt n an alcohol is produced.

last option, nylon gets hydrolised, forming an acid tgt with an amine. the acid reacts with the sodium hydroxide and forms a salt. overall, a salt and an amine is produced. according to wikipedia, amines act as bases, and most amines exist as either gases or liquids.

therefore, based on my mediocre analysis, i conclude tt nylon is the answer.


gosh! i seriously need a detailed chemistry guide or a chemistry expert 24/7.