Question: Formaldehyde polymerizes in aqueous solution to give paraformaldehyde, HO--(CH2O)nH. Although high molecular weights are achieved, the polymer unzips readily. However, if the polymer is treated

Formaldehyde polymerizes in aqueous solution to give paraformaldehyde, HO--(CH2O)nH. Although high molecular weights are achieved, the polymer "unzips" readily. However, if the polymer is treated with acetic anhydride, the resulting material (an important commercial polymer called Delrin) no longer "unzips." Explain the chemistry described.

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