Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

IUPAC: Poly(hexamethylene adipamide)

CAS: 32131-17-2

Overview

Nylon-6,6 was the first commercially successful synthetic polymer, developed by Wallace Carothers at DuPont in 1935. It revolutionized the textile industry by replacing silk in stockings. It is a polyamide with excellent strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 22 1.0080
Carbon C 12 12.0110
Nitrogen N 2 14.0070
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×22
9.8%
C
Carbon ×12
63.7%
N
Nitrogen ×2
12.4%
O
Oxygen ×2
14.1%

Uses

  • • Textiles (stockings, clothing)
  • • Automotive parts (gears, bearings)
  • • Carpet fibers
  • • Cable ties and fasteners

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Nylon stockings were such a sensation that 4 million pairs sold on the first day in 1940
  • ✦ The name 'nylon' is not an acronym — it was chosen arbitrarily by DuPont

Safety

  • ⚠ Melts and can cause burns
  • ⚠ Releases toxic fumes when burned

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
226.32 g/mol
Density
1.1400 g/cm³
Melting Point
263.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Also Known As

Nylon Nylon-6,6

Related Compounds

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Polyhydroxybutyrate

(C₄H₆O₂)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nylon-6,6?
Nylon-6,6 ((C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Poly(hexamethylene adipamide).
What is the molecular weight of Nylon-6,6?
Nylon-6,6 has a molar mass of 226.318 g/mol.
What state is Nylon-6,6 at room temperature?
Nylon-6,6 is a solid at room temperature.
Is Nylon-6,6 organic or inorganic?
Nylon-6,6 is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Nylon-6,6?
Nylon-6,6 ((C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).