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: Understand the nomenclature of Nylons. The number(s) in the name of a nylon refer to the number of carbon atoms in the monomer(s) used to produce it. 
- Nylon 6: The single number '6' indicates it is made from a single monomer containing 6 carbon atoms. 
- Nylon 6,6: The two numbers '6,6' indicate it is made from two different monomers, one with 6 carbons and the other also with 6 carbons.

Step 2: Identify the monomers. 
- Nylon 6,6 is made by the condensation polymerization of (A) Hexamethylene diamine (which has 6 carbons) and (B) Adipic acid (which also has 6 carbons). 
- Nylon 6 is made by the ring-opening polymerization of (C) Caprolactam. Caprolactam is a cyclic molecule that contains 6 carbon atoms. 
- (D) Terephthalic acid is a monomer used to make polyester (specifically, polyethylene terephthalate or PET), not nylon. 

Conclusion: The monomer used to manufacture Nylon 6 is Caprolactam.