# Nylon-6,6 is a synthetic polyamide made from two monomers: hexane-1,6-diamine (a diamine) and hexanedioic acid (a dicarboxylic acid). Explain how nylon-6,6 is formed from these monomers, including the type of polymerisation involved, the bond formed between monomers, and the small molecule produced.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 18.2 Amines, amides and amino acids · Explain · 5 marks

> Nylon-6,6 is a widely used synthetic polymer found in clothing, ropes and engineering components. It belongs to the polyamide family of polymers.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The type of polymerisation is condensation polymerisation
2. The amine group (–NH₂) of hexane-1,6-diamine reacts with the carboxylic acid group (–COOH) of hexanedioic acid
3. An amide bond (peptide/–CO–NH– linkage) is formed between the two monomers
4. Water is the small molecule eliminated/produced in each step
5. Because each monomer is difunctional (has two reactive groups), the reaction continues along both ends, building a long polymer chain

## Key terms

- [diamine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/diamine)
- [dicarboxylic acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/dicarboxylic-acid)
- [polyamide](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polyamide)

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- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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