Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

IUPAC: Poly(bisphenol A carbonate)

CAS: 25037-45-0

Overview

Polycarbonate is an extremely tough, transparent thermoplastic. It is virtually unbreakable under normal conditions, with impact resistance 250 times that of glass. It is used in bulletproof windows, safety glasses, and CDs/DVDs.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 14 1.0080
Carbon C 16 12.0110
Oxygen O 3 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×14
5.5%
C
Carbon ×16
75.6%
O
Oxygen ×3
18.9%

Uses

  • • Bulletproof glass
  • • Safety glasses and visors
  • • CDs and DVDs
  • • Automotive headlight lenses

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Bulletproof glass is typically multiple layers of polycarbonate and glass bonded together

Safety

  • ⚠ Contains bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor
  • ⚠ BPA-free alternatives now available

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
254.28 g/mol
Density
1.2000 g/cm³
Melting Point
267.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Also Known As

PC Lexan Makrolon

Related Compounds

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Polyhydroxybutyrate

(C₄H₆O₂)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate ((C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Poly(bisphenol A carbonate).
What is the molecular weight of Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate has a molar mass of 254.284 g/mol.
What state is Polycarbonate at room temperature?
Polycarbonate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polycarbonate organic or inorganic?
Polycarbonate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate ((C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).