Caprolactam

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Caprolactam
IUPAC name	Azepan-2-one
Other names	ε-Caprolactam, 1-Aza-2-cycloheptanone, 2-Azacycloheptanone, Capron PK4, Cyclohexanone iso-oxime, Extrom 6N, Hexahydro-2-azepinone, Hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one (9CI), Hexanolactame
Identifiers
CAS number	[105-60-2]
PubChem	7768
EINECS number	203-313-2
SMILES	C1CC(NCCC1)=O
Properties
Molecular formula	C6H11NO
Molar mass	113,16 g/mol
Density	1,01 g/cm3
Melting point	68 °C
Boiling point	136-138 °C / 10 mm Hg
Solubility in water	4560 g/l
Hazards
R-phrases	R20, R22, R36/37/38
Flash point	125 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Caprolactam is an organic compound which is a lactam of 6-aminohexanoic acid (ε-aminohexanoic acid, aminocaproic acid). It can alternatively be considered cyclic amide of caproic acid.

The primary industrial use of caprolactam is as a monomer in the production of nylon-6. Most of the caprolactam is synthesised from cyclohexanone via an oximation process using hydroxylammonium sulfate followed by catalytic rearrangement using the Beckmann rearrangement process step.

Major worldwide producers include BASF, Honeywell, DSM (Dutch State Mines), Bayer, Toray and Sumitomo/Enichem.

Caprolactam is an irritant and is toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin.