Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nylon-6 is a homopolymer made from a single monomer that contains both an amino and a carboxyl group (in the form of a cyclic amide).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The monomer for Nylon-6 is \(\varepsilon\)-caprolactam.
When \(\varepsilon\)-caprolactam is heated with water at high temperature (\(533-543 \text{ K}\)), the ring opens to form \(\varepsilon\)-aminocaproic acid, which then polymerizes.
Reaction:
\[ n (\text{Caprolactam}) \xrightarrow[H_2O]{533-543 \text{ K}} [-NH-(CH_2)_5-CO-]_n \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
Nylon-6 is prepared by heating \(\varepsilon\)-caprolactam with water.