Concept:
Polymers are large macromolecules formed by the repeated linking of smaller molecules called monomers. Synthetic polymers such as nylon belong to the class of polyamides, which contain repeating amide linkages ($-CONH-$) in their structure.
• Nylon-6 is produced by the polymerization of a single monomer called caprolactam.
• The polymerization occurs through a ring-opening polymerization reaction.
• During this process, the cyclic caprolactam molecule opens and forms long chains of polyamide units.
Different types of nylon are produced using different monomers:
• Nylon-6: Monomer is caprolactam.
• Nylon-6,6: Produced from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.
Step 1: Identify the polymer mentioned in the question.
The polymer specified is Nylon-6.
Step 2: Recall its monomer.
Nylon-6 is synthesized from the cyclic compound caprolactam through ring-opening polymerization.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options.
• Adipic acid → Used in Nylon-6,6 synthesis.
• Ethylene glycol → Used in polyester formation (e.g., PET).
• Vinyl chloride → Monomer of PVC (Polyvinyl chloride).
Hence, the correct monomer for Nylon-6 is Caprolactam.