Does anyone know where I might find a step-by-step reaction mechanism for a polymer condensation reaction involving Hexamethylenediamine with Adipoyl Chloride (thus synthesizing Nylon 66)? If not, can anyone help list the steps that take place and why? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I feel so lost!

To find a step-by-step reaction mechanism for a polymer condensation reaction such as the synthesis of Nylon 66 (hexamethylenediamine with adipoyl chloride), you can refer to reliable sources such as scientific textbooks, research papers, or polymer synthesis manuals. These sources often provide detailed reaction mechanisms, along with explanations of the steps involved. Here is a general outline of the steps involved in the synthesis of Nylon 66:

Step 1: Formation of amine chloride intermediates
Hexamethylenediamine reacts with adipoyl chloride in the presence of a suitable solvent, typically a polar organic solvent like dimethylformamide (DMF) or methylene chloride. The reaction occurs between the amine group of hexamethylenediamine and the acid chloride group of adipoyl chloride, resulting in the formation of intermediate amine chloride compounds.

Step 2: Condensation reaction
The amine chloride intermediates undergo a condensation reaction, which involves the elimination of hydrogen chloride (HCl) as a byproduct. This reaction occurs between the amine groups of the amine chloride intermediates and the acid chloride groups of other intermediates, resulting in the formation of amide bonds.

Step 3: Polymerization
The condensation reaction continues until long chains of repeating units are formed. This polymerization process leads to the formation of Nylon 66, which consists of repeating amide groups from hexamethylenediamine and adipoyl chloride.

The overall reaction is an example of a step-growth polymerization, where the reaction occurs between two different monomers, forming covalent bonds between them and gradually building up the polymer chain.

It is important to note that the specific reaction conditions, concentrations, catalysts, and purification steps can vary depending on the specific synthesis protocol and desired properties of the Nylon 66 product.

If you require more specific or detailed information, it is recommended to consult reliable sources or reach out to experts in the field of polymer chemistry.