Chemistry: polypropylene, part 2: why is it called polypropylene?

Self-tutoring about chemistry: the tutor discovers the name “polypropylene” seems to come from how it’s produced.

The following is by my understanding.

I mention in my earlier post that polypropylene isn’t intended to have double bonds. However, in organic chemistry, the “ene” ending suggests a compound does have a double bond. The question might arise, Why the -ene ending if polypropylene isn’t meant to have double bonds.

The answer seems to be that polypropylene is made from molecules of propylene, aka propene, bonded together into long chains. Specifically, where they bond together is at the ends of each double bond in each single unit of propylene (propene). In the process, each double bond is converted to a bond between two molecules that were separate before. Therefore, polypropylene is made of “many propylenes,” even though each propylene molecule loses its double bond as it joins the polypropylene chain.

Source:

King, P. (March 28, 2025). “How Is Polypropylene Made? Polypropylene Manufacturing Process Explained.” Palmetto Industries. https://www.palmetto-industries.com/how-is-polypropylene-made/?srsltid=AfmBOopmBGxmtiKMm3L-bjL5MTeG4SQ30kAn3qm0ez004gxul-B0zrpX

Eureka by Patsnap. (July 3, 2025). “Propylene vs. Propene: How Small Differences Create Diverse Polymers.” eureka.patsnap.com. https://eureka.patsnap.com/article/propylene-vs-propene-how-small-differences-create-diverse-polymers

Reusch, W. (2013). “Nomenclature: Naming Organic Compounds.” https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/virttxtjml/nomen1.htm”

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