Production of Nylon

Purpose:

To demonstrate the preparation of strands of nylon.

Materials:

• 100mL beaker
• Display glass
• Hooked glass rod

Reagents:

• Hexane (C₆H₁₄)
• Sebacoyl chloride ((CH₂)₈(COCl)₂)
• 0.4M Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
• 1,6-hexanediamine

Hazards and PPE:

• 1,6-hexanediamine is an acute irritant and toxin, and should be handled with care.
• Hexane is flammable, an aquatic hazard, and an acute and reproductive toxin. Store, dispose of, and use with care.
• NaOH is a strong base, so is corrosive and should be handled with care.
• Sebacoyl chloride is corrosive to metals and an acute toxin, and should be stored and handled with care.
• Wear approved safety goggles and gloves.

Protocol:

1. Pour 50ml 5% 1,6-hexanediamine into a display glass.
2. Pour 50mL 2% sebacoyl chloride (in hexanes) into a 100mL beaker.
3. Carefully pour the sebacoyl solution down the inside of the display glass so that it floats on the 1,6-hexanediamine solution. The nylon layer forms in between the two layers.
4. Use the glass rod to grasp the nylon formed between layers. Pull the nylon strand out of the display glass, twirling the rod. It is possible to obtain several feet of nylon from this reaction.

Disposal:

• Pour the mixture into a labeled waste container. Use acetone as needed to separate the strands of nylon from the glass rod.

Citations:

1. ICE Chemistry Fundamentals Workshop, Mt. San Antonio College, 1993.

Videos:

• Nylon Synthesis Chemistry Demo

  Carolina Biological