Q60 E

Question

The step-growth polymer nylon 6 is prepared from caprolactam. The reaction involves the initial reaction of caprolactam with water to give an intermediate open-chain amino acid, followed by heating to form the polymer. Propose a mechanism for both steps, and show the structures of nylon 6.



Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer

The poly caprolactam is synthesized by ring-opening polymerization reactions.





1Formation of caproclactam from e- caproclactam

Thus, the polyamide of poly caprolactam is formed by heating the E- caprolactam (aqueous solution). So, they are the functional group that is involved.




2Formation of caprolactam in nucleophile attack

In the aqueous caprolactam rings open in the nucleophile attack of water.



3Conclusion

Therefore, the poly caprolactam is synthesized by ring-opening polymerization reactions.