Question:

The copolymer formed by addition polymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of peroxide is :

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Styrene is \(\mathrm{C_6H_5CH=CH_2}\) and acrylonitrile is \(\mathrm{CH_2=CHCN}\); in the addition copolymer the backbone carbons come only from the C=C carbons, giving the pattern -CH2-CH(R)-CH2-CH(R')-.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Styrene: \(\mathrm{CH_2=CH-C_6H_5}\); acrylonitrile: \(\mathrm{CH_2=CH-CN}\).
Peroxide starts free-radical addition: each monomer adds through its C=C, so every monomer contributes one CH2 and one CH(substituent) to the carbon backbone, normally head-to-tail.
The copolymer (SAN) therefore has the repeating unit \(-\mathrm{CH_2-CH(C_6H_5)-CH_2-CH(CN)}-\).
Option (1) has CH(C6H5) and CH(CN) adjacent (head-to-head), option (2) contains a CH3 and a quaternary carbon (impossible from these monomers), option (3) has two CH2 groups adjacent, which is not the head-to-tail pattern, while option (4) shows \(-\mathrm{CH_2-CH(C_6H_5)-CH_2-CH(CN)}-\).
Answer: (4)
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