Caprolactam CAS#105-60-2
Water-soluble ： Easily dissolves in water.
Denser than water ： Specific gravity 1.05 ensures stability.
Flexible form ： Available as solid flakes or molten.
Broad industrial use ： Key for fibers, plastics, films, coatings, and polyurethanes.
Caprolactam (CAS#105-60-2)
Caprolactam, with the chemical formula CH₂(CH₂)₄CONH, exists as a white flake-like solid. It dissolves readily in water and exhibits a specific gravity of 1.05 in a 70% solution, making it denser than water. The material can also be found in molten form. Inhalation of caprolactam poses toxicity risks, with exposure limits set at 5 ppm for vapor and 1 mg/m³ for dust in air. Its primary applications include production of synthetic fibers, plastics, films, coatings, and polyurethanes.
Caprolactam Chemical Properties
Melting point | 68-71 °C(lit.) |
Boiling point | 136-138 °C10 mm Hg(lit.) |
bulk density | 500-550kg/m3 |
density | 1.01 |
vapor pressure | <0.01 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
refractive index | 1.4935 |
FEMA | 4235 | 1,6-HEXALACTAM |
Fp | 152 °C |
storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
solubility | H2O: 0.1 g/mL, clear, colorless |
pka | 16.61±0.20(Predicted) |
form | Crystals or Flakes |
Specific Gravity | 1.042 (20/4℃) |
color | White |
PH | 7.0-8.5 (333g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
Odor | amine spicy |
Odor Type | spicy |
explosive limit | 1.4-8%(V) |
Water Solubility | 4560 g/L (20 ºC) |
Merck | 14,1761 |
JECFA Number | 1594 |
BRN | 106934 |
Exposure limits | ACGIH: TWA 5 mg/m3 |
Dielectric constant | 1.7 - 1.9（0.0℃） |
LogP | 0.12 at 25℃ |
CAS DataBase Reference | 105-60-2(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference | Caprolactam(105-60-2) |
IARC | 3 (Vol. 39, Sup 7, 71) 1999 |
EPA Substance Registry System | Caprolactam (105-60-2) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | Xn |
Risk Statements | 20/22-36/37/38 |
Safety Statements | 2-24/25 |
OEB | C |
OEL | TWA: 1 mg/m3, STEL: 3 mg/m3 |
RIDADR | UN 2811 6.1/PG 2 |
WGK Germany | 1 |
RTECS | CM3675000 |
Autoignition Temperature | 707 °F |
TSCA | Yes |
HS Code | 29337100 |
Hazardous Substances Data | 105-60-2(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 orally in rats: 2.14 g/kg (Smyth) |
Applications of Caprolactam (CAS#105-60-2)
ε-Caprolactam serves as a key monomer in producing polyamide-based synthetic fibers and acts as a solvent for high molecular weight polymers. Additionally, it is utilized in coatings and plasticizer formulations. Its function as a cross-linking agent enhances polyurethane production. Beyond these uses, caprolactam is essential for synthesizing nylon-6, which is widely applied in fibers and plastics.
Furthermore, it serves as a monomer for manufacturing polycaprolactam (Nylon 6), a material critical for carpets, textiles, apparel, and tire production.
