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Send EmailCaprolactam, Azepan‑2‑one, 2‑Azacycloheptanone, 105‑60‑2
Chemical name: ε‑Caprolactam (Azepan‑2‑one)
Molecular formula: C₆H₁₁NO
Molecular weight: 113.16 g/mol
CAS number: 105‑60‑2
Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder
Melting point: ~69 °C
Boiling point: ~270 °C
Solubility: Soluble in water and many organic solvents
Nylon‑6 production:
Caprolactam is the essential raw material for Polyamide‑6 (PA6) via ring‑opening polymerization.
Nylon‑6 is widely used in textiles, carpets, tire cords, engineering plastics, and packaging films.
Cast polyamide (PA6 G): Used in gears, bearings, and machine parts requiring high mechanical strength.
Resins & adhesives: Applied in MDF, laminates, impregnated papers, and specialty resin formulations.
| Property / Use | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS No | 105‑60‑2 |
| EC No | 203‑313‑2 |
| IUPAC name | Azepan‑2‑one |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Melting point | ~69 °C |
| Boiling point | ~270 °C |
| Main application | Nylon‑6 production |
| Other uses | Cast polyamide, resins, adhesives |
| Packaging | Typically 25 kg bags |
| Sector / Application | Compliance & Standards | Key Uses | Risks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textile | OEKO‑TEX®, REACH, ISO 9001 | Nylon‑6 yarns, carpets, fabrics | Chemical residue control in dyeing & finishing |
| Automotive | IATF 16949, REACH | Tire cords, engineering plastics | High temperature & mechanical strength requirements |
| Plastics & Packaging | FDA (food contact), EU 10/2011 | Packaging films, engineering parts | Migration testing required for food contact |
| Electrical & Electronics | RoHS, UL certifications | Insulation parts, connectors | Heat resistance & electrical insulation testing |
| Furniture & Construction | ISO 14001, FSC‑compliant resins | MDF, laminates, adhesives | Formaldehyde emission & VOC limits |
| Chemicals & Resins | ISO 9001, REACH | Impregnation resins, adhesives | Solvent & VOC control in workplace |
| Food Contact | FDA, EU food contact regulations | Packaging films | Only certified grades suitable for food contact |
REACH & CLP classification: Irritant, environmentally hazardous.
Food contact: Only certified production grades should be used.
Textile sector: OEKO‑TEX® compliance is critical for customer acceptance.
Automotive & electronics: Require high mechanical and thermal performance testing.
Health hazards: Can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Long‑term exposure may affect liver and kidneys.
Handling: Requires protective equipment (gloves, goggles, masks) and proper ventilation.
Environmental impact: Wastewater containing caprolactam must be treated before discharge, as it is harmful to aquatic life.
Caprolactam is a globally traded commodity.
Major producers: China, India, Europe, USA.
Demand is closely linked to textile and automotive industries