Question

Among cellulose, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), nylon and natural rubber, the polymer in which intermolecular forces of attraction are weakest is:

• A. Nylon
• B. PVC
• C. Natural rubber
• D. Cellulose

Answer 1

The correct option is C Natural rubber

Natural rubber is cis$-1,4-$polyisoprene. It has long flexible chains, weak intermolecular forces, and exhibits elastic properties.

Natural rubber contains $C$ and $H$ atoms only. Thus, it has non-polar $C-H$ bonds and weak van der Waals forces of attraction.

On the other hand, cellulose, polyvinyl chloride $\left(PVC\right)$ and nylon contains $\text{C, H}$ and heteroatoms $\left(\text{Cl, N or O}\right)$. Thus, they have polar bonds and dipole interactions.

Among cellulose, polyvinyl chloride $\left(PVC\right)$, nylon and natural rubber, the polymer in which intermolecular forces of attraction are weakest is natural rubber.

Hence, option C is correct.