[theowne]

I have a question about the synthesis of teflon - how would you describe it's optimum orientation?  And describe it as a reaction?  Would you begin with two monomers and then explain that this process continues to produce the polymer.  I suppose that the optimal orientation would be for the carbon atoms to collide rather than the flourines at the end?  I'm not too sure.  Any clues?

[agrobert]

It is a free radical reaction that continues to polymerize monomers until the polymer chain is stopped.  An initiator generates free radicals from the double bonds and is stabilized on the carbon.  The radicals on the terminal carbon ends can then radically attack the double bonds of another monomer or attach to another free radical.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytetrafluoroethylene#Production