The correct answer is option 4. Amino caproic acid + glycine.
Biodegradable polymers are polymers that can be broken down into simpler compounds by the action of microorganisms over time. The key to biodegradability lies in the structure of the polymer and its monomers, as well as the ability of microorganisms to enzymatically break down the polymer chains.
Let us look at the specific monomers mentioned:
(4) Amino caproic acid + glycine:
Amino caproic acid (6-aminohexanoic acid): This is a six-carbon amino acid that can be derived from caprolactam, a precursor to nylon-6. It is a biodegradable monomer.
Glycine: Glycine is the simplest amino acid with a hydrogen atom as its side chain. It is also biodegradable.
When these monomers are polymerized, they can form a biodegradable polymer. For example, if you polymerize amino caproic acid, you get poly-6-aminohexanoic acid (PA 6-6) or nylon-6-6, which is a biodegradable polymer. Adding glycine to the polymerization can modify its properties.
In contrast, let's briefly discuss the other options:
(1) Ethylene glycol + phthalic acid:
This combination is associated with the formation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a common non-biodegradable polymer used in plastic bottles and containers.
(2) Caprolactam:
Caprolactam is a precursor to nylon-6, a synthetic polymer. Nylon-6 is not inherently biodegradable due to its synthetic nature.
(3) Phenol + Formaldehyde:
This combination is associated with the formation of Bakelite, a type of phenolic resin. Phenolic resins are generally non-biodegradable.
In summary, the combination of amino caproic acid and glycine (Option 4) can contribute to the formation of biodegradable polymers, whereas the other options are associated with the formation of non-biodegradable polymers. |
