Question:

What are the repeating monomer units of Nylon-6,6?

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The numbers in Nylon-6,6 represent the number of carbon atoms in each monomer:
6 carbons from adipic acid and 6 carbons from hexamethylenediamine.
Updated On: Apr 23, 2026
  • Ethylene glycol and Terephthalic acid
  • Adipic acid and Hexamethylenediamine
  • Caprolactam
  • Styrene
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Nylon-6,6 is a synthetic polyamide polymer produced by a condensation polymerization reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine. During the reaction, monomers join together with the elimination of small molecules such as water. The numbers in the name Nylon-6,6 indicate the number of carbon atoms present in each of the two monomers used to form the polymer.

Step 1: Identify the monomers involved

Nylon-6,6 is formed from the following two monomers:
Adipic acid \((HOOC-(CH_2)_4-COOH)\), which contains 6 carbon atoms.
Hexamethylenediamine \((H_2N-(CH_2)_6-NH_2)\), which also contains 6 carbon atoms.

Step 2: Understand the polymerization reaction

During condensation polymerization, the carboxyl group (\(-COOH\)) of adipic acid reacts with the amine group (\(-NH_2\)) of hexamethylenediamine. This reaction forms an amide linkage (\(-CONH-\)) while releasing a molecule of water. \[ HOOC-(CH_2)_4-COOH + H_2N-(CH_2)_6-NH_2 \rightarrow \text{Nylon-6,6} + H_2O \]

Step 3: Formation of repeating units

The repeating unit of Nylon-6,6 contains amide bonds that connect alternating segments derived from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. These repeating units give nylon its strong and durable polymer structure. Conclusion:
Therefore, the repeating monomer units used to produce Nylon-6,6 are Adipic acid and Hexamethylenediamine.
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