Nylon 6 is a polyamide used in the manufacture of ropes. It can be prepared via hydrolysis of ε caprolactam to form ε-aminocaproic acid followed by acid-catalyzed polymerization.

(a) Draw the structure of Nylon 6.

(b) Compare the structure of Nylon 6 with the structure of Nylon 6,6 (shown just before Conceptual Checkpoint 27.11). Which polymer exhibits a smaller repeating unit?

Transcribed Image Text:

Polymerization Hydrolysis Nylon 6 NH2 Но E-aminocaproic acid E-caprolactam