Question

Orlon is a polymer of which of the following?
A. Isoprene
B. Acrolein
C. Glycol
D. Vinyl cyanide

Answer 1

Orlon is chemically known as Polyacrylonitrile and acrylonitrile is also known as vinyl cyanide (VCN).

Complete answer:
Orlon is the name that is used in trade purposes for Polyacrylonitrile (PAN). It is a polymer of acrylonitrile which is commonly known as vinyl cyanide (VCN). Therefore, option D is correct.
The chemical formula of vinyl cyanide is ${ CH }_{ 2 }$CHCN. It is an organic compound with 3 carbon chains having a double bond and a cyanide group (CN) attached to the middle carbon. The structure is given below.

PAN or orlon is also known as vinyl cyanide. This is a polymer that is thermoplastic in nature. A thermoplastic polymer can be heated to melt in a liquid and then it can be shaped easily according to the need. After cooling it, it will retain the shape forever.
Let us see the application of orlon.
It can be used in the production of carbon fibre. Carbon fibres are mostly made of carbon and have many advantages including high tensile strength, high chemical resistance, low weight, low thermal expansion along with high-temperature tolerance.
It can be used in the production of flame-resistant fabric by using its oxidised form. It has a very high performance and it is very cost-effective.
PAN is also used as fibres in THE hot gas filtration system, fibre reinforced concrete, outdoor awnings and sails for yachts.
Copolymers of PAN are used in clothing materials. The clothes which are made up of PAN are often labelled as “acrylic”.

Note:
Don’t confuse acrylonitrile with acrolein. As we know that orlon is chemically known as polyacrylonitrile, it might be confused as a polymer of acrolein. Acrolein is chemically known as propenal and it does not contain a nitrile group. It is also an organic compound with 3 carbon chains and it has a double bond and an aldehyde group.