Question

Which one of the following is resistant to acids and alkalies but dissolves in acetone and carbon disulphide $\left(C{S}_2\right)$ mixture?

• A. Polyethene
• B. Polystyrene
• C. Polyvinylchloride
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Polystyrene

Polystyrene is resistant to acids and alkalies but dissolves in acetone and carbon disulphide $\left(C{S}_2\right)$ mixture because when styrene is polymerised in the presence of acetone or $C{S}_2$ mixture, polystyrene of lower average molecular mass is produced.

The growing polystyrene radical reacts with acetone and carbon disulphide mixture to end the original chain and to produce a new radical thus, initiating a new polymerisation chain.