Polymers are very large compounds, assembled from smaller units, called monomers. For

Chapter 2, Problem 2.68

(choose chapter or problem)

Polymers are very large compounds, assembled from smaller units, called monomers. For example, polymer 2, called poly(vinyl acetate), is made from vinyl acetate (1). Polymer 2 can be converted to polymer 4, called poly(vinyl alcohol), or PVA, via a process called hydrolysis (explored further in Chapter 21). Complete hydrolysis of 2 leads to 4, while incomplete hydrolysis of 2 leads to 3 in which the polymer chain still contains some residual acetate groups. Polymer 2 is one of the main ingredients in white glue, while polymer 3 is present in aqueous PVA glues. Describe how IR spectroscopy can be used to monitor the conversion of 3 to 4. Specifically, describe what you would look for to confirm complete hydrolysis of the acetate groups (J. Chem. Ed. 2006, 83, 15341536). O O O O O O O O 2 OH O OH OH O 3 OH OH OH OH 4