Caprolactam
CAS Number
105-60-2
EC Number
203-313-2
FEMA Number
FEMA 4235
Abbreviation
CPL
What is Caprolactam?
Caprolactam (CAS 105-60-2), commonly abbreviated as CPL, is the primary monomer used to produce Nylon 6, a commercially significant engineering polymer.
Where is Caprolactam used?
- Synthetic fiber manufacturing: polymerized Nylon 6 extruded into yarn for apparel, hosiery, carpeting and technical textiles
- Plastics and engineering resins: injection-molded automotive parts, gears and structural housings
- Polyurethane coatings and adhesives for leather finishing and industrial paper treatments
- As a blocking agent for isocyanates it enables controlled deblocking at elevated temperatures for precise cure profiles.
Commercial specifications
- Purity typically 99.5% or higher
Other Names (Synonyms)
Hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one|epsilon-Caprolactam|Aminocaproic lactam|6-caprolactam|2-oxohexamethylenimine|2-Oxohexamethyleneimine|2-ketohexamethyleneimine|2-azepanone|CPL
What are the physical properties of Caprolactam?
Melting Point 69.3 °C
Boiling Point 270 °C
Density 1.02 g/cm³
Flash Point 152 °C
Appearance Caprolactum is a white crystalline combustible solid with an unpleasant odor. The Odor Threshold is 0.3 milligram per cubic meter.
Color White
Odor amine spicy
Form Crystals or Flakes
Water Solubility 4560 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure <0.01 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index 1.4935
pH 7.0-8.5 (333g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P 0.12 at 25℃
How is Caprolactam classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
H315 Causes skin irritation
H316 Causes mild skin irritation
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Caprolactam?
HS Code 29337100
UN Number 2811
ADR Class 6.1
Packing Group II
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 1