Question:

Identify the monomer used to prepare orlon.

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Orlon is the commercial name of polyacrylonitrile, an addition polymer.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • vinyl chloride
  • acrylonitrile
  • styrene
  • tetrafluoroethylene
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Orlon (also called acrilan) is a synthetic fibre. Its chemical name is polyacrylonitrile. It is made by addition polymerisation, so we only need the monomer unit that repeats in the chain.

Step 2: Key Approach:
Orlon is the polymer of the monomer with formula \(CH_2=CH-CN\). This monomer is acrylonitrile (vinyl cyanide). Its double bond opens up and many units join in a chain.

Step 3: Reaction:
\[ n\,CH_2=CH-CN \xrightarrow{\text{peroxide}} \left[-CH_2-CH(CN)-\right]_n \]
The repeating unit carries a nitrile group on every second carbon.

Step 4: Why the other options are wrong:
Vinyl chloride (\(CH_2=CHCl\)) gives PVC. Styrene (\(C_6H_5CH=CH_2\)) gives polystyrene. Tetrafluoroethylene (\(CF_2=CF_2\)) gives teflon. None of these has a \(-CN\) group, so none gives orlon.

Final Answer:
Orlon is made from acrylonitrile, which is option (B). \[ \boxed{\text{B: acrylonitrile}} \]
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