Question

The monomer used in the manufacture of Nylon 6 fiber is \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\)

• A. Hexamethylene diamine
• B. Adipic acid
• C. Caprolactam
• D. Terephthalic acid

Hint:

Remember the key monomers for common polymers: - Nylon 6: Caprolactam (1 monomer, 6 carbons). - Nylon 6,6: Hexamethylene diamine + Adipic acid (2 monomers, 6 carbons each). - Polyester (PET): Ethylene glycol + Terephthalic acid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Nylon nomenclature is based on carbon atom counts in its monomers.
- Nylon 6: '6' signifies a single monomer with 6 carbons. 
- Nylon 6,6: '6,6' indicates two 6-carbon monomers.

Step 2: Monomer identification. 
- Nylon 6,6 is synthesized via condensation polymerization of (A) Hexamethylene diamine (6 carbons) and (B) Adipic acid (6 carbons). 
- Nylon 6 is produced via ring-opening polymerization of (C) Caprolactam, a 6-carbon cyclic molecule. 
- (D) Terephthalic acid is a polyester (PET) monomer, not a nylon monomer. 

Conclusion: Caprolactam is the monomer for Nylon 6.