Teflon is not

The correct answer is Option (1) → a copolymer

Teflon is polytetrafluoroethene, made from a single monomer, tetrafluoroethene, by free radical addition polymerisation:

    \( \displaystyle \ce{n CF2=CF2} \xrightarrow[\text{high pressure}]{\text{free radical or persulphate catalyst}} \ce{-[CF2-CF2]_n-} \)

Since it has only one kind of repeating unit, Teflon is a homopolymer. A copolymer is formed from a mixture of more than one monomer (for example Buna-S from buta-1,3-diene and styrene).

• Option (1) a copolymer — Not true of Teflon. It is a homopolymer of tetrafluoroethene.

• Option (2) a chain growth polymer — True of Teflon. It is an addition polymer formed by free radical chain growth.

• Option (3) resistant to attack by corrosive reagents — True of Teflon. The strong C–F bonds make it resistant to corrosive chemicals, hence its use in oil seals and gaskets.

• Option (4) chemically inert — True of Teflon. Its inertness is why it is used for non-stick coatings on utensils.

Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.

NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Polytetrafluoroethene (Teflon) – “Teflon is manufactured by heating tetrafluoroethene with a free radical or persulphate catalyst at high pressures. It is chemically inert and resistant to attack by corrosive reagents. It is used in making oil seals and gaskets and also used for non-stick surface coated utensils.”

Copolymerisation – “Copolymerisation is a polymerisation reaction in which a mixture of more than one monomeric species is allowed to polymerise and form a copolymer.”