Question:

Which of the following serves as the monomer for the synthetic polymer Nylon 6?

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Important Nylon Polymers: Nylon-6 → Monomer: Caprolactam
Nylon-6,6 → Monomers: Hexamethylenediamine + Adipic Acid Remember: Nylon-6 is made from a single monomer, while Nylon-6,6 is made from two different monomers.
Updated On: May 4, 2026
  • Adipic acid
  • Caprolactam
  • Hexamethylenediamine
  • Ethylene glycol
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Synthetic polymers are large macromolecules formed by the repeated linking of smaller units called monomers. Nylon is a widely used synthetic polymer belonging to the class of polyamides. Different types of nylon are formed depending on the monomers used.
Nylon-6 is produced from a single monomer called caprolactam.
• Caprolactam undergoes ring-opening polymerization to form long chains of polyamide.
• The repeating unit of Nylon-6 contains an amide linkage (-CONH-) which provides strength and durability. Other related polymers include:
Nylon-6,6: formed from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.
Polyesters: formed using compounds like ethylene glycol.

Step 1:
Identify the monomer used in Nylon-6 synthesis. Nylon-6 is produced by the polymerization of caprolactam. The cyclic caprolactam molecule opens and links with other molecules forming a long polyamide chain.

Step 2:
Eliminate the other options.
• Adipic acid → Used in Nylon-6,6 synthesis.
• Hexamethylenediamine → Also used in Nylon-6,6 synthesis.
• Ethylene glycol → Used in polyester formation (e.g., PET). Therefore, the correct monomer for Nylon-6 is Caprolactam.
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