Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Acrilan is a commercial name for polyacrylonitrile (PAN). It is an addition polymer formed from the monomer acrylonitrile.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Monomer: The monomer of acrilan is acrylonitrile, which has the chemical formula \( \text{CH}_{2}=\text{CH-CN} \).
2. Polymerization: Under the influence of a peroxide initiator, acrylonitrile undergoes free radical addition polymerization.
3. Structure: The double bond opens up to form a repeating unit:
\[ \text{n(CH}_{2}=\text{CH-CN)} \longrightarrow [-\text{CH}_{2}-\text{CH(CN)}-]_{\text{n}} \]
4. Properties: It is a hard, high-melting material used to make synthetic fibers like Orlon or Acrilan, which are used as a substitute for wool.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The structure of Acrilan is \( [-\text{CH}_{2}-\text{CH(CN)}-]_{\text{n}} \).