Problem 20 - Arihant Objective Approach to Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE and NEET all Medical Entrances Part 4

Question

"Orlon has a unit : (a) vinyl cyanide (b) acrolein (c) glycol (d) isoprene

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Orlon has a unit of (a) vinyl cyanide.

Step 1: Understanding Orlon

Orlon is a synthetic fiber known for its wool-like feel. It is primarily composed of acrylonitrile units. The specific unit used in Orlon fiber production is a derivative of the compound known as "vinyl cyanide." This is crucial to identifying the correct chemical identity related to Orlon in the options provided.

Step 2: Matching Orlon's Unit with Options

Review the options to find the correct compound that corresponds to the unit found in Orlon. The correct unit is vinyl cyanide, which is identical to acrylonitrile, the key component in Orlon synthesis. Hence, we should look for the option that matches this description based on its chemical structure and common name.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Option

Given that Orlon is made from acrylonitrile, which is commonly referred to in organic chemistry as vinyl cyanide, the correct match from the options is option (a) vinyl cyanide. This matches the primary chemical structure found in Orlon fiber.

Key Concepts

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers produced from chemical substances as opposed to natural fibers sourced from plants and animals. They are crafted through various chemical processes that transform raw materials into fibers.
Synthetic fibers offer several advantages over natural fibers, such as increased durability, better resistance to environmental factors, and often a lower production cost.
Examples of synthetic fibers include:

• Polyester - widely used in clothing, home furnishings, and industrial applications.
• Nylon - known for its strength and elasticity, commonly used in hosiery and activewear.
• Acrylic - often used as a wool substitute in textiles for its soft and warm feel.

Orlon is a type of acrylic fiber, best known for its wool-like texture, making it popular in winter clothing and blankets. Synthetic fibers have revolutionized textiles by providing versatile and cost-effective alternatives to natural fibers.

Acrylonitrile

Acrylonitrile, a key component in synthetic fiber production, is an organic compound utilized in creating resilient plastics and fibers such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and polyacrylonitrile fibers like Orlon.
This compound is colorless yet pungent, playing a significant role in the textile industry due to its many beneficial properties. Acrylonitrile is valued because:

• It forms strong, durable materials that endure extensive wear and tear.
• It is resistant to chemicals and physical wear.
• It contributes to a low density in finished products, making them lightweight.

Producing synthetic fibers like Orlon from acrylonitrile involves polymerizing the compound, linking multiple acrylonitrile molecules into large chains that can be spun into fibers. This chemical transformation enhances the mechanical properties of the material, making it suitable for various applications.

Vinyl Cyanide

Vinyl cyanide, also known by its systematic name, acrylonitrile, is a nitrile compound involved in the creation of synthetic fibers and other materials.
Vinyl cyanide's ability to polymerize makes it integral in the formation of plastics and fibers. This characteristic allows it to participate in creating the polyacrylonitrile chains required to produce fibers such as Orlon.
Understanding the significance of vinyl cyanide in synthetic fiber production helps appreciate its chemical properties:

• It is a small, volatile molecule that can easily undergo polymerization.
• It contains a vinyl group that facilitates quick reactions.
• It includes the nitrile group, contributing to the chemical stability of formed products.

Through understanding vinyl cyanide's chemical structure and behavior, students can better grasp how such molecular foundations are essential in crafting the synthetic fibers that are prevalent in everyday products.