Macromolecules and Solid State Chemistry- Nylon 6 – 10

Nylon 6 – 10

Description: Nylon thread is made from the polymerization of an amine and an acid chloride. The thread is lifted from the interface of two immiscible liquids and wound on a windlass pulling the polymer out of the container. This reaction will continue for as long as both reactants present.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1983  Vol:Page: 213

Keywords: Polymers, Hexamethylenediamine,  Sebacoyl Chloride, Interfacial polycondensation, Immiscible

Rating:

Hazard: High

  • Acute toxicity – oral, dermal
  • Corrosive to metals
  • Skin corrosion hazard
  • Reproductive toxicity
  • Serious eye damage
  • Respiratory toxicity
  • Flammable liquids
  • Central nervous system toxicity
  • Aspiration hazard
  • Aquatic toxicity
  • Flammability hazard

Effectiveness: Excellent

  • Results are deeply engaging to audience
  • Profound connection to course material
  • Spectacular or counter-intuitive effects are seen
  • Contrast of behavior of systems is obvious
  • Time to results is low
  • High reliability

Difficulty: High

  • Use of highly toxic reagents
  • Use of flammable reagents
  • Complex manipulations
  • Requires prior practice or training
  • Procedures with some intermediate steps to result

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves required
  • Lab coat or equivalent required
  • Perform in well-ventilated area
  • Downdraft hood recommended
  • Spill kit on hand
  • Absorbent material on hand
  • Prevent release of reagents to the environment
  • ABC fire extinguisher on hand

Class: Organic Chemistry, Macromolecules and Solid State

Division: General, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry