Introduction and Uses

Caprolactam – C6H11ON – is obtained from cyclohexanone oxime in a process termed “Beckmann rearrangement reaction.”

Caprolactam is produced in two forms:

1. solid: white hygroscopic substance, with a specific mild odour, 
2. liquid: colourless, clear liquid, free of mechanical impurities 

Caprolactam is used for the production of polyamide polymer which in turn is processed into textile or technical yarns, or into engineering plastics for various technical and industrial applications.

Such applications utilise the characteristic special properties of Caprolactam, these are:

• Mechanical strength and lightness; 
• Good anti-friction dielectric properties ( non-conductivity of electricity );  and
• Ability to suppress vibration. 

Applications and uses include the following.

Synthetic fibres and threads

• Cord for aviation and auto tyres, conveyer belts 
• Dielectric and filtering materials 
• Fabrics for parachutes, fishing nets 
• High pressure hoses 
• Hosieries 
• Artificial furs, carpets, etc. 

Polyamide plastics

• Mechanical and instrument engineering 
• Automotive and aircraft industries 

The primary industrial use of caprolactam is as a monomer in the production of nylon-6. 

Specification

CAPROLACTAM CRYSTALLINE Specification

Source

The Cherkassy Open Joint-Stock company “Azot” – is one of the largest enterprises in Ukraine manufacturing mineral fertilizers, ion-exchange resins, caprolactam and other chemical products. Its construction began in 1962.

ÎJSC Cherkassy “Azot” is the only manufacturer of caprolactam in Ukraine. It is obtained from cyclohexanone oxime in a process termed “Beckmann rearrangement reaction.”

Caprolactam was originally only available in fused / solution form. However from March 2003, following plant re-development, the crystalline form of white flakes also became available.

Today ÎJSC Cherkassy “Azot” consists of 43 industrial structural divisions, which are located in an area of 500 hectares. The Joint-Stock company currently employs more than 6 thousand people.

Safety Information

HAZARD

General

Synonyms: aminocaproic lactam, 6-aminohexanoic acid cyclic lactam, gamma-caprolactam, 2-perhydroazepinone, hexannic acid, hexanone isozime, e-caprolactam, epsilon caprolactam, various other names
Molecular formula: C6H11NO
CAS No: 105-60-2
EC No: 203-313-2
EU No: 613-069-00-2

Physical data

Appearance: white crystalline solid
Melting point: 69 C
Boiling point: 267 C
Vapour density:
Vapour pressure:
Density (g cm-3): 1.02
Flash point: 125 C
Explosion limits: 1.4 – 8%
Autoignition temperature: 375 C
Water solubility: moderate

Stability

Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidising agents, strong bases, chlorinated hydrocarbons, nitro compounds. Combustible. Hygroscopic.

Toxicology

Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. May cause systemic effects. Human mutagenic data. May cause reproductive defects. Skin and eye irritant.
Toxicity data

IHL-HMN TCLO 100 ppm
ORL-RAT LD50 1210 mg kg-1
IPR-RAT LDLO 900 mg kg-1
IPR-MUS LD50 650 mg kg-1
IVN-MUS LD50 480 mg kg-1

Hazard class 9.

Personal protection

Safety glasses, gloves, adequate ventilation.