Question

Write the name of the monomer of the following polymer?
${[CO - {(C{H_2})_5} - NH]_n}$

Answer 1

Hint: Polymer is defined as that macromolecule which consists of a large number of the simple repeating structural units joined through a covalent bond in a regular pattern. And that simplest repeating unit is derived from simple and reactive molecules known as monomers.

Complete step by step answer:
The polymer given in the question is the nylon-6 and is also known as perlon. Nylon-6 is prepared from a single monomer known as caprolactam. Caprolactam on heating with water at high-temperature undergoes polymerization to give nylon-6. The monomer caprolactam used for the preparation of nylon-6 is prepared by cyclohexane. The preparation of caprolactam from cyclohexane is given as:

The caprolactam is then heated with the trace of water, it hydrolysis to ∈-aminocaproic acid which upon continuous heating undergoes polymerization and gives nylon-6. The chemical reaction for the polymerization of caprolactam is given as:

The fiber of nylon-6 is obtained when molten polymer is forced through a spinneret and the fiber formed is cooled by a stream of air.

Additional Information:
Nylon-6 contains amide linkage hence it is a type of polyamide. In the name Nylon, Ny is New York and lon is London as the most common form the nylon fibre i.e., nylon-6,6 was simultaneously prepared in New York and London. It is the type of condensation polymer.

Note: The polymer nylon-6 is nylon-six because of its monomer, i.e. caprolactam contains six carbon atoms. Nylon-6 is used for the manufacture of tyre cords, fabrics, and also for the manufacture of mountaineering ropes.