Question

Nylon- 610 is a polymer of (a) caprolactam (b) hexamethylene and sebacic acid (c) hexamethylene and adipic acid (d) none of these

Short answer

(b) hexamethylene and sebacic acid.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Options

Review each option provided to understand the chemicals mentioned and their role in polymer formation. This will help us identify the constituents of nylon-610.

Identify Nylon-610 Components

Nylon-610 is made from hexamethylene diamine and sebacic acid. This is a specific type of nylon polymer distinguished by the carbon atoms in the monomers involved.

Match Components with Options

Option (b) mentions hexamethylene and sebacic acid, which are the correct components for nylon-610.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Eliminate options (a) and (c) as they reference different acids or components not used to produce nylon-610. Option (d) is also incorrect as option (b) provides the correct components.

Key concepts

Hexamethylene

Hexamethylene, an essential component in the formation of nylon-610, plays a crucial role in the polymer's backbone structure. It is often encountered as hexamethylene diamine when used in polymerization. This organic compound contains six carbon atoms, which is reflected in its name 'hexa,' meaning six.

Hexamethylene diamine is a very versatile molecule and acts as a monomer. When creating nylon-610, it serves as one of the two building blocks needed. The presence of amine groups in hexamethylene allows it to react efficiently with acids such as sebacic acid, forming strong amide bonds. - **Structure and Properties of Hexamethylene Diamine**: - **Chemical Formula**: C₆H₁₄N₂ - **Functional Groups**: Contains two amine groups, which are reactive sites for bonding. - **Flexibility**: Its structure contributes to the elasticity and strength characteristic of nylon polymers. Understanding the role of hexamethylene in forming polymers is essential for comprehending how various nylon types, like nylon-610, obtain their unique properties.

Sebacic Acid

Sebacic acid is another fundamental ingredient in the production of nylon-610, complementing hexamethylene diamine in the polymerization process. This organic compound is a dicarboxylic acid, which means it contains two carboxyl groups—critical for polymer bonding. Sebacic acid is derived from castor oil, which is a sustainable and renewable resource. This aspect makes it an environmentally friendly option for producing high-performance polymers. - **Key Characteristics of Sebacic Acid**: - **Chemical Formula**: C₁₀H₁₈O₄ - **Functionality**: Contains two carboxylic acid groups, key in forming amide linkages with diamines. - **Applications**: Apart from nylon, used in lubricants, cosmetics, and plasticizers due to its stability and versatility. By combining hexamethylene diamine with sebacic acid, manufacturers can create nylon-610 through polymer formation. This polymer's distinct properties, such as high tensile strength and elasticity, arise from the chain structure that stems from these two molecules.

Polymer Formation

Polymer formation, especially in the context of creating materials like nylon-610, involves a reaction known as condensation polymerization. This is a crucial process where monomers like hexamethylene diamine and sebacic acid link together to form long chains with repeating units. - **Process of Condensation Polymerization**: - **Step One: Activation**: Initiates when amine groups from hexamethylene react with carboxyl groups from sebacic acid. - **Step Two: Chain Formation**: The reaction occurs through the release of a small molecule, such as water, leading to the formation of strong amide bonds. - **Step Three: Growth of Polymer Chains**: As molecules link, a repeating pattern forms, creating the fibrous structure typical of nylons. Condensation polymerization for nylon-610 highlights the efficiency in forming durable polymers. The careful selection of monomers ensures polymer chains with desired properties are produced, suitable for uses ranging from textiles to engineering materials.