Chemistry in the

Service of
Mankind
By-Pramesh Sharma

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 SYLLABUS
Polymers
 Explain addition and condensation polymers.
 Explain elastomers and fibres.
 Describe natural and synthetic polymers.
 Explain some synthetic polymers (polythene, PVC, Teflon, polystyrene, nylon and Bakelite).

Dyes
 Explain types of dyes on the basis of structure and method of application.

Drugs
 Describe characteristics of drugs.
 Differentiate natural and synthetic drugs.
 Classify some common drugs.
 Be aware of adverse effect of drug addiction.

Pesticides
 Explain insecticides, herbicides and fungicides
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POLYMERS
Polymers are the macromolecules which consist of large number of small repeating units
(called monomers) joined together by covalent bonds. Polymers are higher molecular weight
compounds. Monomers are the small repeating units of which polymer is made.
Polymerization is defined as the chemical combination of a number of similar or different
monomers to form a single large molecule (polymer).
Addition and Condensation Polymers
Based on synthesis polymers are of two types.
i. Addition Polymer
In this type of polymerization, the molecules of the same or different monomers simply add
to one another in repetition leading to the formation of polymer. The polymers, thus, formed
are called additional polymers. They are also called chain growth polymers.

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Condensation Polymers
In this type of polymerization, a large number of monomer molecules combine together usually
with the loss of simple molecules like water, alcohol, ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen
chloride. The polymers, thus, formed are called condensation polymers. Condensation
polymerization generally occurs between bifunctional compounds. They are also called step-
growth polymers.

Nylon-6.6

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Elastomers and Fibres
Based on the intermolecular forces, polymers are classified into elastomers and fibers.

i. Elastomers
Elastomer: Polymer in which the intermolecular force of attraction between the polymer chains are
weakest are called as elastomers.
 Elastomers are amorphous polymers that have high degree of elasticity i.e. can be reformed (for
example can be stretched up to eight times ) but retains its original shape.
 Elastomers becomes soft on heating and can be moulded into desired shape. Eg natural rubber is
the common example of elastomer. Other examples are synthetic rubber, silicone rubber.

ii. Fibres:
Polymer in which the intermolecular force of attraction between the polymer chains are the strongest
are called as fibres.
 These forces are either due to H- bonding (nylon) or dipole –dipole interactions (terylene, orlon).
 Due to high intermolecular forces of attraction, fibres have high tensile strength, least elasticity,
high modulus, crystalline nature and sharp melting point. Eg Nylon , dacron (Polyester) and
polyethylene.
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 Natural and Synthetic polymers [on the basis of origin]

 Natural polymers: The polymers formed in the body of plants and animals are
natural polymers. Some examples of natural polymers are illustrated below:
 Polysaccharides: starch and cellulose are common polysaccharides.The monomer is
glucose.
 Proteins: They are the polymers of α-amnio acids.
 Nucleic acid : They are the polymers of nucleotides.

 Synthetic polymer: The polymer which is prepared in laboratories as well as in

industries is called as synthetic polymer.
For eg Bakellite, PVC, Polyethene, Nylon-6.6, etc 6
Homopolymer and Co-polymer [based upon the type of monomer]

Based on the types of monomer, polymers can be classified as homopolymer and co-polymer.
Homopolymer: A polymer formed by only one types of monomer is called as homopolymer.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is made up of only one types of monomer, vinyl chloride. Hence it is an
example of homoploymer. Some examples are; polythene, Teflon, orlon (Polyvinyl
cyanide/acronitrile) etc.

Co-Polymer: A polymer formed by more than one types of monomer is called as copolymer .
Nylon-6,6 is made up of two types of monomer; hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, Hence it
is an example of Co-polymer. Some examples are; Nylon, bakellite etc.

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 Preparation and Uses of some synthetic polymers
Polythene
a. Low density polythene : In this polymer, the repeat unit is –CH2-CH2-. It is
manufactured by heating ethylene to 200°C under a pressure of 1500 atm in the presence
of trace oxygen. This polymerization occurs by the free radical mechanism initiated by
oxygen.

The polythene thus produced has a branched structure. These branched molecules don’t pack
well and, hence, this types of polyethene has low density and low melting point.

Uses
It is widely used as a packaging material (in the form of thin plastic films, bags etc.) and as
insulation for electrical wires.

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b. High density Polythene: it is prepared by coordination polymerization of ethylene. In this
process, ethylene in a solvent is heated to 60-70°C under the pressure of 6-7 atm in the
presence of Ziegler Natta catalyst. [Al(C2H5)3+ TiCl4]
50−70°𝐶,5−7 𝑎𝑡𝑚
n CH2= CH2 Al(C2H5)3+ TiCl4 -(CH2-CH2)-n
Ethylene (monomer) Polyethene (monomer)

This polyethene consists of linear chains of polymer molecules. These polymer molecules pack
well and hence, this polythene has higher density and higher melting point.

Uses : It is used in manufacture of containers, housewares, pipes and bottles.

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PVC (Polyvinyl chloride):
It is manufacture by the polymerization of Vinyl chloride. It is especially used for the manufacture of
pipes, plastics dolls and insulators etc.

𝑂𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑒
nCH2=CHCl -(CH2-CHCl)-n
Vinyl Chloride Polyvinyl chloride

Uses of Polyvinyl chloride

 It is good electrical insulator and hence used in coating wires and cables.
 It is used in making floor tile and raincoats.
 It is used for making raincoats, hand bags, plastic dolls, shoe soles.

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Polystyrene :
It is obtained by the polymerization of styrene in presence of benzoyl peroxide as
free radical initiator.

Uses : It is a transparent polymer and is used for making plastic toys, household wares, radio
and television bodies.

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Polytetrafluroethene (Teflon or PTFE):
It is obtained by polymerization of tetrafluroethylene in the presence of oxygen. It is inert to
chemical reagents, even to boiling in aqua regia, resistant to heat and electricity.

Uses
It is used as non-stick coating especially for cooking utensils, water proof clothing, for insulation of
electrical items, for manufacture of gaskets, valves.

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Bakelite:
It is the phenol-formaldehyde polymer(resin). It is insoluble thermosetting plastic. It is used
to make electrical equipments, combs, handle of pressure cooker and also in paper mills and
for steel rolling. Polymerization of Bakelite is given below.

Uses
 Hard Bakelite which is highly cross-linked is used as a thermosetting polymer. It has been
used for making handle of cooking utensils.
 It is used for the manufacture of combs, Formica table-tops, electrical switches etc.

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Nylon 6,6
It is prepared by the condensation of polymerization of adipic acid and hexamethylene
diamine at about 250°C when water is lost as steam and nylon is produced in the molten
state.

Uses
 These are used in manufacture of carpets, textiles fibres and bristles for brushes.

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 Dyes
The coloured compound (generally organic compound) which are used in imparting colour to
textile, silk, wool, food stuffs, leather etc. are called dyes. e.g. alizarin, indigo etc.
A dye has following characteristics
1. It should be stable to light.
2. It should be resistant to the action of water, dilute acid and alkali, soap etc.
3. It should not undergo fading on washing, drying, heating and treating with bleaching agent.

Colour and Structure of Dyes

There is close relationship between color and structure of dye molecules. The dye may be
consisted of following two components:
 Chromophores
&
 Auxochromes
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Chromophores:
The unsaturated group of atom with multiple bond due to which an organic compound
appears colored called Chromophores. e.g. azo group (-N = N -), nitro group (- NO2), carbonyl
group (>C=O), etc.

Auxochromes :
 The group of atoms which intensify the color of chromogens. Eg: -OH, -SO3H, -COOH, -
NH2, -NHR etc.
 They do not impart colour in absence of chromophores.
Nitrobenzene is pale yellow where as p- nitro phenol is deeply yellow.

Here :
Chromophore - NO2
Pale yellow Deep yellow Chromogen - Nitrobenzene
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Auxochrome - OH
 Classification of Dyes
The dye are classified on the following basis

1. On the basis of occurrence

Natural dyes
The different coloured matters present in plants and animals are called natural dyes. e.g.

Name Source
Indigo (blue) leaves of indigo plant

Alizarin (red) roots of madder plant

Saffron (yellow) flower of thistle plant 17
 Synthetic dyes
The dyes prepared by various chemical reaction according to the need of user are called
synthetic dyes. e.g. cargo red, martious yellow etc.

2. On the basis of chemical composition

Nitro dyes:
 The dye containing – NO2 group as chromophore and auxochrome may be –OH are called
nitro dyes.
 It is used as dye for wool and silk. Example: Picric acid, Martius yellow.

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 Azo dyes :
 The dyes containing one and more azo group (– N = N- ) as chromophore are called azo
dyes.
 The auxochromes may be -NH2, -OH etc.
 It is used as indicator in acid base titration.
Example: Methyl orange, p- aminoazobenzene (aniline yellow), p- hydroxyazobenzene etc.

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 Indigo dye :
 It is used to dyeing the cotton.
Example indigo.

Phthalein dyes :
 It is used as indicator in acid base titration.
 Example: Phenolphthalein

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 Anthraquinone dyes :
 It is used to dyeing the cotton and wool.
 It is used in printing inks.
Example: Alizarin red

Triphenyl methane dyes

 It is used for dying of leather, paper and
acrylic fibres.
 Example Malachite green

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3. On the basis of application:
Based on colouring methods the dyes are classified in to following types.

Direct dyes :
 The dyes which are used to colouring object directly in their aqueous solution are called
direct dye.
Example: Martius yellow, Congo red etc

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 Disperse dyes :
 These are insoluble in water and form colloidal solution in it. Thus dispersed in water in
colloidal form before applying the fabric.
 When fabric is immersed in the colloidal dispersion of the dye, fine dye particles
absorbed in to the crystal structure of the fabric.
e.g. Anthraquinone derivative are used to dyed nylon, polyster etc.

Mordant dyes :
 They have no natural affinity for the fabric. Thus for binding dye with fabric certain metal
salts are used. These salt are called mordant.
E.g. Aluminium, Chromium, Barium etc. are used as mordant for dyeing wool, cotton, nylon
etc.
 Fabric is first treated with a mordant and then with the dye solution. Alizarin is an
example of mordant dye. Most of the mordant dyes contain hydroxyl (-OH) groups.
 If the dye is acidic, the mordant should be basic and vice versa. 23
 Vat dyes :
 These are water insoluble dyes and thus converted into colourless soluble compound by
reduction with sodium bisulphite.
 The fabrics are immersed in to this solution and then re- oxidise either by air or other
oxidising agents.
E.g. Indigo is used for colouring cotton clothes by this method.

Azoic dyes:
 The azoic dyeing is particularly suitable for cotton, cellulose fibre and nylon .
 In this method, water insoluble azo dye is produced in the fabric itself. The fabric is
immersed into the solution of coupling reagent like phenol, aniline , naphthol etc. and
then immediately in the solution of an appropriate diazonium salt.
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 DRUGS
Drug is a substance used in prevention and treatment of diseases in human beings.
According to World Health organization (WHO) “a drug is defined as any product that is
used to modify or explore physiological systems or states for the benefits of recipient”.

Characteristics of drugs
An ideal drug should possess the following requirements.
 The action of an ideal drug should be localized at the site where it is desired to act.
 It should be non-toxic.
 It should have minimum side effects.
 It should not injure host tissues or physiological process.
 It should be efficient.
 Natural and Synthetic Drugs

Natural drugs: The drugs which are obtained and extracted from plants and animals are
known as natural drugs.
Some common medicinal herbs used from ancient time are as follows.

Name of plants Aesthetic values

• Rauwolfia serpentina It is popular for the cure of hypertension, heart
disease etc.

It is used as appetizer, germ killer, analgesics

• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Gurjo ( Tinospora cardifolia)
and it is highly nutritious and is useful in gastric
problems.
It is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus,
diabetes insipidus, cough, asthma, skin diseases,
diarrhoea, dysentery.
 Synthetic drugs:

 The drugs which are synthesized artificially in the factories are called as synthetic
drugs.
 Those drugs which are used in allopathic chemotherapy are called as Synthetic drugs.
 Synthetic drugs are more effective and used in small doses. They are prepared in
laboratories on large scale.
For eg:
• Antibiotics like penicillin, chloramphenicol, Azithromycin, amoxicillin ; analgesics like
novalgin, brufen ;
• Antipyretics like paracetamol;
• Tanquilizers (medicine for hypertension) like equanil, diazepam etc. are common
examples of synthetic drugs.
 Classification of drugs
On the basis of therapeutic action, drugs are classified as: chemotherapeutic agents and
pharmacodynamic agents.
Chemotherapeutic agents
 These drugs are used to treat infectious diseases.
 These are made in such way that they kill invading organism selectively without any
harmful effects in the host tissue.
For eg: antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, etc.
1. Antiseptics: These are the compounds which kill or prevent the growth of micro-
organisms without being toxic and irritating to the living beings.
Eg.:- 1% KMnO4 , Dettol, Thymol, Phenol, Picric acid etc.

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2. Antibiotics : These are drugs derived from certain micro-organisms( bacteria, fungi)
which inhibit the growth of or kill some other micro-organisms.
Eg.:- Azithromycin, Chloromycetin, Penicillin, Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol
etc.

Penicillin Chloramphenicol

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3. Sulpha drugs
 The sulpha drugs are derivatives of sulphanilamides, were the first effective
chemotherapeutic agents to be widely used for the cure of bacterial infections in humans.
Eg.:- Sulphaguanidine, sulphadiazine, sulphapyridine and sulphathiazole etc.

Sulphaguanidine Sulphapyridine 30
Pharmacodynamic agents:
 The disease condition in human being which appear due to functional disorder or
degradation of body but not due to invading microorganisms.
For example: Anemia, Cardiovascular disorder, Cancer, Depression, Diabetes, etc.
 The chemicals used to reduce such disease conditions are called pharmacodynamic agents.

1. Antipyretics : The drugs which are used to lower body temperature to normal in high fever
are called as antipyretics.
Eg.:- Phenacetin, Paracetamol, Aspirin

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2. Analgesics
 The drugs which are used to relieve pain without loss of consciousness are called as
analgesics.
 They are also called pain killer.
 These are effective in headaches, muscle pain and joint pains etc.
Eg. Ibuprofen, Novalgin.

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3. Antihistamines
 Antihistamines are amines which are used as drugs to control the allergy effects produced
by the histamines.
For eg. Avil, Allerga etc.

4. Tranquilizers
 These are the compounds used for the treatment of mental diseases.
 They relieve anxiety, excitement and restlessness.
 These produce specific improvement in the mood and behaviour of a patient suffering
from mental disorder.
 These acts on central nervous system.
Eg. Equanil, Chloretone, Diazepam

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5. Antacids
 In order to treat hyperacidity, Magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2], Sodium bicarbonate
[NaHCO3] or Aluminium hydroxide [Al(OH)3] is used in the form of tablets or aqueous
suspensions. These substances react with hydrochloric acid present in the stomach and
neutralize it partially.
 A commercially antacid called ‘eno’ contains a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid
and anhydrous sodium carbonate.

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 Drug Addiction
 Drug addiction is a compulsive desire and dependence on illegal drug or medication despite
the negative consequences.
 The habit forming drugs (Narcotic drugs) include morphine, codeine and heroin. These
drugs produce analgesia and sleep and in high dose cause unconsciousness.
 Heroin is more dangerous than morphie because it causes rapid addiction. These are
obtained from opium. Opium is the residue obtained by evaorating the juice of the opium
poppy. It contains 10% morphine and 5% codein. Heroin is made from morphine.
 The prolonged use of narcotic drugs causes drug addictions. It is a sad state of mind and
body which may follow continuous use of narcotic drugs.

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 Pesticides
 A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or
to animals is known as pesticide.
 Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides (weedicides), rodenticides etc. which are used for the
control of insects, fungi, weeds, rodents etc. are examples of pesticides.

Insecticides
 The chemical substance or mixture of substance that are used to kill and control insects are
called as insecticides.
 If they are used in excess, they are harmful for agriculture and human or animal health.
 DDT (Dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane), BHC (Benzene hexachloride) , parathion etc, are
common examples of insecticides.
 Parathion is a most powerful and versatile insecticide so far synthesized.

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Examples of Insecticides:

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Weedicides or Herbicides :
 Weeds are undesired plant species grown in an area (plant pests).
 The chemicals which are used to kill and control weeds are called as weedicides or
herbicides.
 Herbicides are widely used in agriculture to control plant pests.
 For eg. 2,4- Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5- Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid
(2,4,5-T)
 2,4-D is most commonly used herbicide in the world.

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Germicides:
 The chemical substances which are capable of destroying the micro-organisms found in
the environment are called as germicides.
 The chemicals used to kill and control fungi are called as fungicides.
 Fungicides are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infection in animals.
 Some examples are
1. Copper sulphate solution (CuSO4)
2. Aluminum phosphide(AlP)
3. Bordeux mixture ( mixture of CuSO4 and lime)

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