Nylon - Synthetic Polyamide

first synthetic fibre made by condensation polymerisation
made from a dicarboxylic acid (molecule with 2 $- COO H$ groups) + a diamine (molecule with 2 $- N H_{2}$ groups)
we can represent these 2 monomers as shown:
take note of amide linkage in diagram below.

Repeat unit of Nylon is:

Nylon is a polyamide as it contains many amide linkages. Amide linkages is usually written as:

Balanced Chemical Equation for Condensation Polymerisation reaction to form nylon using structured formula

n moles of dicarboxylic acid react with n moles of diamine to form 1 mole of nylon and 2n moles of water.

Structural formula of nylon

Part of structure of nylon showing 2 repeat units

Uses of Nylon

first used in making stockings, as a replacement for silk
later strength and durability of nylon → found to be very useful in industries
today it is used to make socks, tents, parachutes, fishing lines, rugs, ropes, comb, toothbrush

Quartz 4