On treatment with catalytic base (RO^(–)), β-propiolactone (structure on the right) polymerizes to a colorless flexible solid. Write a plausible structure for this polymer, indicating the chain residues at either end by asterisks. (e.g. *-ABAB-*)
To draw a formula use the drawing window opened by the Draw Formulas button. Do not try to draw hydrogen atoms. Draw two, and only two, repeating units of the polymer, and designate the terminal (chain extension) bonds by asterisks. To enter an asterisk choose the X symbol in the left column and change the H that appears in the small window to *. When you are finished, Submit your formula and then check it by pressing the Check Molecule button. A help screen is available for the drawing window.