Question:medium

Which of the following serves as the monomer for the synthetic polymer Nylon 6?

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Important Nylon Polymers: Nylon-6 → Monomer: Caprolactam
Nylon-6,6 → Monomers: Hexamethylenediamine + Adipic Acid Remember: Nylon-6 is made from a single monomer, while Nylon-6,6 is made from two different monomers.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2026
  • Adipic acid
  • Caprolactam
  • Hexamethylenediamine
  • Ethylene glycol
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nylon 6 is a polyamide formed by the ring-opening polymerization of a single monomer. Unlike Nylon 6,6, which is made from two different monomers, Nylon 6 derives its name from the six carbon atoms present in its repeating unit.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Caprolactam: This is a cyclic monomer with six carbon atoms. When heated with water at high temperatures, the ring opens to form aminocaproic acid, which then polymerizes to form Nylon 6.
2. Adipic acid and Hexamethylenediamine: These are the two monomers used to produce Nylon 6,6.
3. Ethylene glycol: This is used in the production of polyesters like Terylene (Dacron).
Step 3: Final Answer
The monomer for Nylon 6 is Caprolactam.
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