Question

Write a reaction for preparation of Nylon-6.

Hint:

The "6" in Nylon-6 represents the number of carbon atoms in the repeating monomer unit.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nylon-6 is a polyamide formed from a single monomer, epsilon-caprolactam, through ring-opening polymerization.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The monomer Caprolactam is heated with water at high temperatures (533 K to 543 K).
The water causes the ring to open, and the resulting amino acid chains polymerize to form Nylon-6.
Reaction:
\[ \text{Caprolactam (7-membered ring)} \xrightarrow[533-543 K]{H_2O} [ -NH-(CH_2)_5-CO- ]_n \]
Step 3: Final Answer:
Nylon-6 is prepared by heating caprolactam with water at about 533-543 K.