Question:

What are the compounds used to obtain nylon salt?

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Nylon-6,6 gets its name because both of its starting monomers (Adipic acid and Hexamethylenediamine) contain exactly 6 carbon atoms each!
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • Adipic acid and ammonia
  • Terephthalic acid and hexamethylenediamine
  • Adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine
  • $\beta$-hydroxybutyric acid and hexamethylenediamine
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific pair of chemical monomers that react together to form an intermediate known as "nylon salt," which is then polymerized to make nylon.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Nylon-6,6 is a classic synthetic polyamide. It is manufactured via a step-growth condensation polymerization.
The two specific starting monomers are:
1. A 6-carbon dicarboxylic acid: Adipic acid ($\text{HOOC-(CH}_2)_4\text{-COOH}$)
2. A 6-carbon diamine: Hexamethylenediamine ($\text{H}_2\text{N-(CH}_2)_6\text{-NH}_2$)
When these two compounds are mixed together in an aqueous solution, an acid-base neutralization reaction occurs instantly. The acidic carboxyl groups donate protons ($\text{H}^+$) to the basic amine groups.
This forms a stable, solid ionic intermediate called hexamethylenediammonium adipate, which is widely referred to simply as Nylon salt.
When this nylon salt is subsequently heated to a high temperature under pressure, it loses water molecules (dehydration condensation) to form the strong amide linkages characteristic of the Nylon-6,6 polymer chain.
Let's evaluate the distractors:
- Terephthalic acid + Ethylene glycol forms Terylene (Dacron), a polyester.
- $\beta$-hydroxybutyric acid + $\beta$-hydroxyvaleric acid forms PHBV (a biodegradable polymer).

Step 3: Final Answer:

The compounds are Adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine, matching option (c).
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