Problem 40 - Arihant Objective Approach to Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE and NEET all Medical Entrances Part 4

Question

Which of the following is not a synthetic fibre? (a) Rubber (b) Nylon-6 (c) Nylon-6,6 (d) Nylon-6,10

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Rubber is not a synthetic fibre like the other options.

Step 1: Understand Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibres are man-made and usually derived from petrochemicals. Examples include nylon, polyester, and acrylic.

Step 2: Identify Synthetic Fibre Options

Review the given options: Nylon-6, Nylon-6,6, and Nylon-6,10. All of these are variants of nylon, which is a synthetic fibre.

Step 3: Analyze Option (a) Rubber

Rubber can be natural or synthetic. However, natural rubber is sourced from rubber trees, not synthetically manufactured from petrochemicals like nylon.

Step 4: Determine the Odd One Out

Based on the analysis, rubber (option a) differs as it can be a natural material, unlike the other listed options which are all synthetic.

Key Concepts

Nylon

Nylon is a popular type of synthetic fibre known for its strength and resilience. Developed in the late 1930s, it was the first commercially successful synthetic polymer used as a fiber. Nylon is highly versatile and is produced by a chemical process called polycondensation, which involves combining diamines and dicarboxylic acids. This forms long chains that create strong and flexible fibres.
Nylon is used in a wide range of applications, including clothing, ropes, and industrial parts. Its resistance to wear and tear makes it ideal for making products that require durability, such as stockings and toothbrush bristles.

• Strong and elastic, nylon is considered a revolutionary synthetic material.
• It can be molded into fibers, filaments, films, or shapes.
• Nylon is also notable for being water resistant and quick-drying.

Understanding the synthetic nature of nylon helps differentiate it from natural fibres, highlighting the advancements in material science.

Natural vs Synthetic Materials

Natural and synthetic materials make up the broad categories of fibres we use in everyday life. Natural fibres originate from plants, animals, or minerals. Common examples include cotton, wool, and silk.
Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are man-made. These are primarily derived from petrochemicals through various industrial processes. Examples include nylon, polyester, and acrylic.

• Natural fibres are biodegradable and usually more eco-friendly.
• Synthetic fibres offer better durability and resistance to chemicals.
• The production of synthetic materials often involves complex chemical reactions.

Choosing between natural and synthetic materials depends on the application’s requirements, such as sustainability, durability, cost, and functionality.

Petrochemicals

Petrochemicals are the chemical products derived from petroleum. They serve as the backbone for most synthetic materials, including fibres like nylon and polyester. These chemicals are crucial in creating polymers, which are the building blocks of synthetic fibres.
The process of synthesizing these fibres involves heating and chemical reactions that transform petrochemicals into long chains of molecules with specific properties. This allows manufacturers to design materials that meet precise strength, flexibility, and durability specifications.

• Key petrochemicals include ethylene, propylene, and benzene.
• Synthetic fibres are more cost-effective thanks to efficient petrochemical-based processes.
• Understanding petrochemicals aids in comprehending the environment impact and innovation within the material industry.

The reliance on petrochemicals in synthetic fibre production underscores the interconnectedness of modern chemistry and industrial manufacture.