a) The raw material that is used to produce ethylene, sugar cane, is a renewable material. However, the processes used to create the ethylene from sugar cane result in the emission of CO2, as well as the emissions produced from the transportation of the ethylene. However, the process of photosynthesis requires CO2, so in effect, the growing of sugar cane results in the entire process being 'carbon neutral'.
b) CH2=CH2 (g) -> -CH2-CH2-n (s)
c) Sugar cane (extraction) -> Glucose (fermentation) -> Ethanol (distillation) -> Ethylene
Question 2:
a)
i) Chloroethene
ii) Poly..ethenylbenzene?
iii) Ethenylbenzene
b)
(i) polyvinylchloride: (1) flexible raincoats (due to water resistance), (2) pipes and gutters (water resistant, rigid), (3) cable insulation (through plasticisers)
(ii) polystyrene: (1) foam/insulated cups (addition of air in molten state), (2) protective packaging (hard, brittle, transparent), (3) disposable cutlery (hard, brittle)