Step 1: Understanding nylon synthesis.
Nylon is a synthetic polymer made through the polymerization of diamines and dicarboxylic acids. The most common raw materials for making nylon are adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) Ethylene: Ethylene is not used in the synthesis of nylon. It is used in making polyethylene and other plastics.
(B) Butadiene: Butadiene is used in the production of synthetic rubbers, not nylon.
(C) Adipic acid: Correct — Adipic acid is a key raw material used in the synthesis of nylon. It reacts with hexamethylenediamine to form nylon-6,6.
(D) Isoprene: Isoprene is used in the production of synthetic rubber, not nylon.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) because adipic acid is used in the production of nylon.