Question

Which among following compounds is used as monomer in preparation of Teflon?

• A. Tetrabromoethylene
• B. Tetrafluoroethylene
• C. Tetrachloroethylene
• D. Tetraiodoethylene

Hint:

Remember that the "fluoro" part of the name tells you everything! The official scientific chemical abbreviation for Teflon is PTFE, which stands directly for Polytetrafluoroethylene. Hence, its starting monomer block must be tetrafluoroethylene.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The problem asks for the standard chemical monomer substance used to synthesize the synthetic addition polymer known commonly as Teflon.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Teflon is the trade name for Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is generated by the free-radical addition polymerization of its corresponding fluorinated alkene monomer under high pressures in the presence of a persulfate initiator: $$n \, \text{CF}_2\mathrel{=}\text{CF}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Polymerization / Persulfate}} \mathrel{-}(\text{CF}_2\mathrel{-}\text{CF}_2)_n\mathrel{-}$$

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's examine the structure of the choices: 1.

Tetrafluoroethylene ($\text{CF}_2\mathrel{=}\text{CF}_2$): When heated under pressure with a free-radical catalyst, the alkene double bonds open and link up linearly to form a high-molecular-weight chain consisting entirely of carbon and fluorine atoms, which is Polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon.
2. The other halogenated derivatives (tetrabromo-, tetrachloro-, and tetraiodo- ethylene structures) do not form the polymer chains that constitute Teflon.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The chemical monomer used in the preparation of Teflon is tetrafluoroethylene, matching option (B).