The type of monomer and the reaction conditions play a significant role in determining the molecular weight and properties of a polymer produced through radical polymerization. Here's how each factor affects the polymer:1. Type of monomer:- Reactivity: Different monomers have different reactivities, which affects the rate of polymerization and the molecular weight of the resulting polymer. Monomers with higher reactivity will lead to faster polymerization and potentially higher molecular weights.- Size and structure: The size and structure of the monomer influence the properties of the resulting polymer. Bulky monomers may lead to more irregular and amorphous polymers, while smaller, more symmetrical monomers may result in more crystalline polymers.- Functionality: Monomers with different functional groups can lead to polymers with different properties. For example, polar functional groups can result in polymers with higher glass transition temperatures Tg and better adhesion properties, while nonpolar functional groups can lead to polymers with lower Tg and better hydrophobic properties.2. Reaction conditions:- Temperature: The temperature of the reaction affects the rate of polymerization and the molecular weight of the polymer. Higher temperatures generally lead to faster polymerization rates and lower molecular weights due to increased chain transfer and termination reactions. Lower temperatures can result in higher molecular weights but may also lead to slower polymerization rates.- Initiator concentration: The concentration of the initiator used in radical polymerization affects the number of active chain-growing radicals and, consequently, the molecular weight of the polymer. Higher initiator concentrations lead to a higher number of active radicals, which results in shorter polymer chains and lower molecular weights. Lower initiator concentrations lead to fewer active radicals, resulting in longer polymer chains and higher molecular weights.- Solvent: The choice of solvent can influence the polymerization rate, molecular weight, and properties of the polymer. A good solvent can help control the polymerization rate and prevent premature termination of the growing polymer chains. Additionally, the solvent can affect the solubility of the monomer and the polymer, which can influence the final properties of the polymer.- Reaction time: The duration of the polymerization reaction affects the molecular weight and properties of the polymer. Longer reaction times can lead to higher molecular weights, while shorter reaction times may result in lower molecular weights.In summary, the type of monomer and reaction conditions in radical polymerization significantly influence the molecular weight and properties of the resulting polymer. By carefully selecting the monomer and controlling the reaction conditions, chemists can tailor the properties of the polymer to meet specific requirements for various applications.