Who this is for: Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science (0654) students who want synthetic polymers — named plastics, monomers and disposal issues — to become a reliable source of marks instead of a list of trade names.
What query it owns: how to understand and revise synthetic polymers in Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science.
Why this is safe: this page owns the synthetic-polymers revision-guide angle, while Tutopiya’s Synthetic Polymers subtopic page owns the learning resource and the free Synthetic Polymers quiz owns the practice.

Synthetic polymers are man-made macromolecules produced by polymerisation of monomers. Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science (0654) expects you to name common plastics, link each to its monomer, draw repeat units, and discuss why many synthetic polymers cause environmental problems. This guide connects each plastic to the exam wording that earns full marks.

Key takeaways

• Synthetic polymers are made in industry; examples include poly(ethene), PVC and nylon.
• Poly(ethene) is made from ethene monomers by addition polymerisation.
• PVC (poly(chloroethene)) is made from chloroethene; used for pipes, insulation.
• Nylon and Terylene are made by condensation polymerisation.
• Most synthetic plastics are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment.

What are synthetic polymers in Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science?

Synthetic polymers are plastics and fibres manufactured from petrochemical monomers. Addition polymers such as poly(ethene) and PVC form when alkene monomers join in long chains. Condensation polymers such as nylon and terylene form when monomers with two functional groups link, releasing water. Understanding monomer–polymer pairs and repeat units is essential for structure questions.

You can read the full explanation, diagrams and notes on Tutopiya’s Synthetic Polymers subtopic page before you attempt questions.

Key synthetic polymers — monomers and uses

Polymer	Monomer	Polymerisation type	Common use
Poly(ethene)	Ethene	Addition	Plastic bags, bottles
PVC (poly(chloroethene))	Chloroethene	Addition	Pipes, cable insulation
Nylon	Diamine + dicarboxylic acid	Condensation	Fibres, ropes
Terylene	Diol + dicarboxylic acid	Condensation	Clothing, fabrics

Repeat units and structural questions

In addition polymers, the repeat unit is the monomer with the C=C double bond opened — shown with square brackets and a subscript n. For poly(ethene), the repeat unit is –[CH₂–CH₂]ₙ–. Examiners may ask you to draw the repeat unit from a named monomer or identify the monomer from a repeat unit.

Synthetic polymers in past-paper wording: command words that matter

Command word / phrase	What the question wants	Typical synthetic polymer stem
State the monomer	Name starting molecule	”State the monomer of PVC.”
Draw the repeat unit	Show linked monomer section	”Draw the repeat unit of poly(ethene).”
Explain	Give reason or process	”Explain why plastics are difficult to dispose of.”
Name a use	Link polymer to application	”State a use of nylon.”

Worked exam-style stems (how to answer the wording)

1. “State the monomer used to make poly(ethene).” Ethene. Mark-scheme reward: correct name.
2. “Explain why many synthetic polymers are a problem in landfill.” They are non-biodegradable / not broken down by microorganisms, so they persist for many years. Reward: non-biodegradable + persist.
3. “Name the monomer used to make PVC.” Chloroethene (vinyl chloride). Reward: chloroethene or vinyl chloride.

Test yourself with the Synthetic Polymers quiz once you can match monomers to named plastics.

How synthetic polymers connect to the rest of Coordinated Science chemistry

Synthetic polymers build on Polymers and Alkenes. Disposal issues link to Human Influences on Ecosystems. The Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science resource hub links every Organic Chemistry subtopic.

Common mistakes students make

• Calling poly(ethene) polythene without knowing the monomer is ethene.
• Confusing PVC monomer (chloroethene) with ethene.
• Drawing repeat units with the C=C double bond still present (it opens during polymerisation).
• Saying synthetic polymers are biodegradable (most are not).
• Mixing up nylon (condensation) with poly(ethene) (addition).

When you need more support

If synthetic polymer questions keep costing marks, work through the Synthetic Polymers quiz, then get focused help from a Cambridge IGCSE Coordinated Science tutor.

Frequently asked questions

Is synthetic polymers hard in Coordinated Science? Focus on four named polymers, their monomers and one environmental issue — that covers most exam questions.

What monomer makes poly(ethene)? Ethene — joined by addition polymerisation.

Why are plastics a landfill problem? Most are non-biodegradable and are not broken down by microorganisms, so they accumulate.

How do I revise synthetic polymers effectively? Match each polymer to its monomer and polymerisation type, draw one repeat unit, then take the Synthetic Polymers quiz.

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