Statement I : Ethene at 333 to $343 \mathrm{~K}$ and $6$-$7$ atm pressure in the presence of $\mathrm{AlEt}_{3}$ and $\mathrm{TiCl}_{4}$ undergoes addition polymerization to give LDP.
Statement II : Caprolactam at $533$-$543 \mathrm{~K}$ in $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ through step growth polymerizes to give Nylon 6.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Solution
<p><b>Statement I is false.</b> Ethene (ethylene) under certain conditions (high pressure, high temperature) in the presence of catalysts does undergo addition polymerization, but it forms polyethylene, not LDP (Low-Density Polyethylene) specifically. The formation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) vs high-density polyethylene (HDPE) depends on the specific conditions and catalysts used. The catalysts mentioned (AlEt<sub>3</sub> and TiCl<sub>4</sub>) are associated with the production of HDPE through the Ziegler-Natta process, not LDPE.</p>
<p><b>Statement II is true.</b> Caprolactam polymerizes to form Nylon 6 via a ring-opening polymerization mechanism, which is a type of step-growth polymerization. The process is often carried out at high temperatures, and water is a byproduct of the reaction, so the description in Statement II is accurate.</p>
<p>Therefore, Option C (Statement I is false but Statement II is true) is the correct answer.</p>
About this question
Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: Polymers · Topic: Addition and Condensation Polymers
This question is part of PrepWiser's free JEE Main question bank. 37 more solved questions on Polymers are available — start with the harder ones if your accuracy is >70%.