# 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.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433) — PL Polymers and life · Explain · 5 marks

> 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.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A polymer is a large molecule made from many smaller molecules (monomers) joined together
2. Nylon is made by condensation polymerisation (not addition polymerisation)
3. A small molecule (water) is released/eliminated during the reaction
4. Two different monomers are used, one containing an amine (–NH₂) group and one containing a carboxylic acid (–COOH) group
5. An amide (peptide) bond / –CO–NH– linkage forms between the monomers

## Key terms

- [polymer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polymer)
- [monomer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomer)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/nylon-is-a-synthetic-polymer-used-9ffd4344) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.