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Chapter 22: Problem 123

Nylon is named according to the number of \(\mathrm{C}\) atoms between the \(\mathrm{N}\) atoms in the chain. Nylon-46 has \(4 \mathrm{C}\) atoms, then \(6 \mathrm{C}\) atoms, and this pattern repeats. Nylon-6 always has 6 carbon atoms in a row. Speculate as to why nylon- 46 is stronger than nylon-6. (Hint: Consider the strengths of interchain forces.)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nylon-46 is stronger than Nylon-6 due to its arrangement of carbon atoms, which allows for more hydrogen bonding between the chains. In Nylon-46, the alternating pattern of 4 and 6 carbon atoms enables the NH and CO groups to align, forming strong hydrogen bonds. In contrast, Nylon-6 has a continuous chain of 6 carbon atoms, which results in fewer hydrogen bonds due to less favorable alignment of the NH and CO groups. This increased hydrogen bonding in Nylon-46 leads to a stronger and more stable structure compared to Nylon-6.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the structure of Nylon-46 and Nylon-6

In Nylon-46, there is a repeating pattern of 4 carbon atoms followed by 6 carbon atoms. Nylon-6 has a continuous chain of 6 carbon atoms. Both types of nylon have amide linkages between carbon chains, which means they have NH and CO groups connecting carbon chains.
02

Understand the role of hydrogen bonding in the strength of nylon

Hydrogen bonding is a key intermolecular force between NH and CO groups in the amide linkages in nylon. This is because the hydrogen atom is bonded to the highly electronegative nitrogen atom, thus giving it a partial positive charge (δ+). The oxygen atom in the CO group is highly electronegative and carries a partial negative charge (δ-). This leads to the formation of hydrogen bonds (dipole-dipole interactions) between the chains.
03

Compare hydrogen bonding in Nylon-46 and Nylon-6

In Nylon-46, the arrangement of 4 and 6 carbon atoms in the chain allows the NH and CO groups to align in such a way that hydrogen bonds can form between the chains. In Nylon-6, the continuous 6 carbon atoms chain doesn't allow the NH and CO groups to be as close in proximity. Therefore, there are fewer hydrogen bonds compared to Nylon-46.
04

Conclude why Nylon-46 is stronger than Nylon-6

Since the strength of interchain forces (hydrogen bonding) is higher in Nylon-46 than Nylon-6 due to the arrangement of carbon atoms, Nylon-46 has a stronger structure. The increased hydrogen bonding between the chains in Nylon-46 leads to increased strength and stability.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Ethylene oxide, is an important industrial chemical. Although most ethers are unreactive, ethylene oxide is quite reactive. It resembles \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4}\) in its reactions in that addition reactions occur across the \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{O}\) bond in ethylene oxide. a. Why is ethylene oxide so reactive? (Hint: Consider the bond angles in ethylene oxide as compared with those predicted by the VSEPR model.) b. Ethylene oxide undergoes addition polymerization, forming a polymer used in many applications requiring a nonionic surfactant. Draw the structure of this polymer.

Name all the aldehydes and ketones that have the formula \(\mathrm{C}_{5} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}\).

What are the structural differences between \(\alpha\) - and \(\beta\) -glucose? These two cyclic forms of glucose are the building blocks to form two different polymers. Explain.

Give the structure for each of the following. a. 4 -methyl-1-pentyne b. \(2,3,3\) -trimethyl- 1 -hexene c. 3 -ethyl- 4 -decene

Answer the following questions regarding the formation of polymers. a. What structural features must be present in a monomer in order to form a homopolymer polyester? b. What structural features must be present in the monomers in order to form a copolymer polyamide? (Hint: Nylon is an example of a polyamide. When the monomers link together to form nylon, an amide functional group results from each linkage.) c. What structural features must be present in a monomer that can form both an addition polymer and a condensation polymer?
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