Nylon- \(-6,10\) is a polymer of: (a) Caprolactam (b) Hexamethylene and sebacic acid (c) Hexamethylene and adipic acid (d) None of these

Polymers are large, complex molecules composed of long chains of repeated units called monomers. These monomers can be identical, or they can be a combination of different molecules, contributing various properties to the final polymer. In chemistry, understanding polymers is crucial because they are ubiquitous in both natural and synthetic materials. For instance, natural polymers such as DNA and proteins are fundamental to biological processes, while synthetic polymers like nylon, polystyrene, and polyethylene are integral to daily life, being found in clothing, packaging, and household goods.

Nylon-6,10 is a synthetic polymer heralded for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. It is utilized in various applications from automotive parts to textiles. The properties of polymers like Nylon-6,10 are dictated by the type of monomers used, how they are linked, and the overall molecular structure, making the field of polymer chemistry both fascinating and incredibly diverse.

The process of creating a polymer from its constituent monomers is known as polymer synthesis. This involves a chemical reaction that typically requires heat, pressure, and sometimes a catalyst. There are two primary types of polymerization: addition polymerization, where monomers add to one another without the loss of any small molecules, and condensation polymerization, where each time a monomer is added to the chain, a small molecule like water or alcohol is released.

Nylon-6,10 is produced through a condensation polymerization reaction between hexamethylene diamine and sebacic acid. This synthesis creates long chains through a reaction known as amidation, where a bond is formed between the amine group of hexamethylene diamine and the carboxylic acid group of sebacic acid, releasing water as a byproduct. The result is a robust and resilient polymer extensively used in industries due to its beneficial properties.

Identifying the correct monomers that form a specific polymer is essential in polymer chemistry. Monomers are the building blocks of polymers and define the characteristics of the final material. In the case of Nylon-6,10, we look for two different monomers; one with 6 carbon atoms and another with 10 carbon atoms to align with the naming convention of the polymer.

When we identify hexamethylene diamine and sebacic acid as the two monomers for Nylon-6,10, we see that they contain the required number of carbon atoms. Hexamethylene diamine has 6 carbons, while sebacic acid has 10. Understanding the structure and composition of these monomers allows chemists to predict and tailor the properties of the polymer. For example, different monomers could be chosen to alter the flexibility, tensile strength, or thermal resistance of the resulting nylon. This practice of monomers identification is a fundamental aspect of material science and polymer design.