Principally, the anhydrous depolymerization of Chain-Growth polymers into their monomers would/will have the following advantages, compared to hydrous pyrolysis of plastics?
I. The yield of alkene-monomers, that can be repolymerized, would be higher.
II. If several monomers are formed, they can be separated by distillation.
III. The use of polymerization/depolymerization catalysts permits lower process temperatures than during the hydrous pyrolysis, in which the heat is supplied by superheated water.
IV. A greater variety of small organic compounds will be formed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anhydrous depolymerization would have the advantages of higher yield of alkene-monomers (I) and the ability to separate multiple monomers by distillation (II). The use of polymerization/depolymerization catalysts would allow for lower process temperatures than hydrous pyrolysis (III). A greater variety of small organic compounds would also be formed (IV), as stated. Therefore, the correct answer is B) I, II, III.

Principally, the Anhydrous Depolymerization of Chain-Growth Polymers into Their Monomers