Problem 40 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

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

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(b) hexamethylene and sebacic acid

Step 1: Identify Polymer Composition

Nylon-610 is composed of two monomers: hexamethylenediamine and sebacic acid. "Nylon" refers to polyamides, and the numbers 6 and 10 indicate the number of carbon atoms in the two components.

Step 2: Understand Options

Review the provided options: (a) caprolactam (b) hexamethylene and sebacic acid (c) hexamethylene and adipic acid (d) none of these.

Step 3: Correlate with Known Information

From Step 1, we know Nylon-610 is derived from hexamethylenediamine and sebacic acid, which directly correlates with option (b).

Step 4: Conclude the Correct Option

Since Nylon-610 corresponds with hexamethylene and sebacic acid, option (b) is correct. Options (a), (c), and (d) do not match the composition of Nylon-610.

Key Concepts

Polymer Composition

Polymer composition is all about the unique recipe of monomers that create a larger molecule known as a polymer. In the case of Nylon-610, this polymer is made by repeatedly linking two monomers: hexamethylenediamine and sebacic acid. The name "Nylon" usually indicates a type of polyamide, which is a polymer where the repeating units are connected through amide bonds. The numbers, "6" and "10", relate to the number of carbon atoms found in the monomers used.

Hexamethylenediamine contains 6 carbon atoms, while sebacic acid contains 10 carbon atoms. When these two monomers undergo a reaction known as polycondensation, they form the long chains of Nylon-610.

• Polycondensation is a type of polymerization where two monomers release a small molecule, like water, and form a bond.
• In Nylon-610, each repeating sequence contains 8 amide linkages, contributing to the durability and strength of the material.

This specific polymer composition results in a material with unique properties suitable for various applications, including fibers for textiles and industrial uses.

Hexamethylenediamine

Hexamethylenediamine is one of the vital building blocks used in creating Nylon-610. This organic compound is a type of diamine, which means it contains two amine groups. The structure of hexamethylenediamine includes six carbon atoms lined up in a chain, giving it the "hexamethylene" part of its name.

The presence of the amine groups is crucial because they are highly reactive. They participate readily in reactions that form polymers like Nylon-610.

• Because of its structure, hexamethylenediamine forms strong bonds with acids such as sebacic acid, which result in the formation of durable nylon chains.
• This makes it a perfect candidate for creating materials that need strong, long-lasting properties.

Understanding the role of hexamethylenediamine provides insight into why Nylon-610 has the specific characteristics that make it invaluable in manufacturing applications.

Sebacic Acid

Sebacic acid, the second monomer in Nylon-610, is a dicarboxylic acid. It contains ten carbon atoms, contributing the "10" to Nylon-610's name. This organic compound is connected by two carboxylic acid groups, one at each end of the chain, which actively reacts with the amine groups of hexamethylenediamine.

The reaction between sebacic acid and hexamethylenediamine results in the peptide, or amide, linkage that characterizes nylons.

• Sebacic acid's long carbon chain gives Nylon-610 the flexibility and resilience that makes it useful for applications requiring lightweight yet robust materials.
• It is key to creating the strong, fibrous structure of Nylon-610, which finds use in various industries, from textiles to automotive components.

By understanding sebacic acid's role, it becomes clearer how this monomer contributes to the overall properties and usefulness of Nylon-610.