Question

The biodegradable polymer nylon-$2$ -nylon-$6$ is formed by condensation of glycine and______.
A. acrylonitrile
B. amino caproic acid
C. alanine
D. adipic acid

Answer 1

Hint: Biodegradable polymers are polymers which can be degraded or broken down by other living organisms like bacteria so that the polymer does not cause any serious effect on the environment.

Step by Step Explanation: Nylon-$2$ -nylon-$6$ is a biodegradable polymer. It is a polyamide and is obtained by condensation of monomers glycine $\left( {{{\text{H}}_2}{\text{N - C}}{{\text{H}}_2}{\text{ - COOH}}} \right)$ and amino caproic acid $\left[ {{{\text{H}}_2}{\text{N}}{{\left( {{\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_2}} \right)}_5}{\text{COOH}}} \right]$ . When n numbers of glycine are condensed with n numbers of amino caproic acid, Nylon-$2$ -nylon-$6$ is obtained with the loss of water molecules. The reaction is as follows:

Nylon-$2$ -nylon-$6$ is an alternating polyamide copolymer as it is prepared from two monomers. It is used in-
- Synthesis of artificial fibers.
- As a thread in the bristles of a toothbrush.
- In making strings of musical instruments.
- As matrix material.
- In car components next to the engine due to heat resistance property.

Hence the correct answer is B.

Additional Information: Besides Nylon-$2$ -nylon-$6$, dextran and PHBV which are both polyesters are also bio-degradable polymers which can be degraded by bacteria in the environment. The characteristics of biodegradable polymers are-
1. They are inert and non-toxic
2. They have bio-compatibility.
3. They have permeability.
4. They have tensile strength and mechanical strength.
5. They have controlled the rate of degradation as they can be easily degraded within a suitable time –period.

Note: Biodegradable polymers have many uses in medical field-
1. They are used as orthopedic devices
2. They are used as implants and sutures.
3. They are also used as rug-release matrices.