Nylon is a synthetic polymer used to make clothing and ropes. Explain why nylon is described as a polymer and outline the conditions needed to make nylon from its monomers.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Nylon was one of the first synthetic polymers to be manufactured on a large scale. It is made by a condensation polymerisation reaction between two different monomers, each containing different functional groups. Unlike addition polymers, nylon releases a small molecule during its formation.
Model answer (5 marks)
A polymer is a large molecule made from many smaller molecules (monomers) joined together.
Nylon is produced by condensation polymerisation, not addition polymerisation.
During the reaction a small molecule – water – is released.
The two monomers are a diamine (–NH₂) and a dicarboxylic acid (–COOH).
An amide (–CO–NH–) bond, also called a peptide bond, links the monomers to give the nylon chain.
Nylon is produced by condensation polymerisation, not addition polymerisation.
During the reaction a small molecule – water – is released.
The two monomers are a diamine (–NH₂) and a dicarboxylic acid (–COOH).
An amide (–CO–NH–) bond, also called a peptide bond, links the monomers to give the nylon chain.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms: polymer, condensation polymerisation, water, diamine, dicarboxylic acid, amide bond.
- Show the sequence of points in the order of the mark scheme.
- Keep each point brief – one sentence per point is enough for full marks.
Common mistakes
- Confusing addition with condensation polymerisation.
- Omitting the release of water or the specific functional groups of the monomers.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- A polymer is a large molecule made from many smaller molecules (monomers) joined together
- Nylon is made by condensation polymerisation (not addition polymerisation)
- A small molecule (water) is released/eliminated during the reaction
- Two different monomers are used, one containing an amine (–NH₂) group and one containing a carboxylic acid (–COOH) group
- An amide (peptide) bond / –CO–NH– linkage forms between the monomers
Key terms in this question
Related
- All OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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