Represent the copolymerization reaction between glycine and e aminocaproic acid to form the copolymer nylon 2-nylon 6.

Question

(1) Represent the copolymerization reaction between glycine and e aminocaproic acid to form the copolymer nylon 2-nylon 6. 

(2) What is the origin of the numbers 2 and 6 in the name of this polymer?

Answer 1

(1) It is a copolymer and has polyamide linkages. The monomers glycine and e-amino caproic acid undergo condensation polymerisation to form nylon-2-nylon-6.

Nylon-2-nylon-6 is used in orthopaedic devices and implants.

(2) Monomer glycine contains two carbon atoms and e amino caproic acid contains six carbon atoms, hence the polymer is termed as nylon-2-nylon-6.