Caprolactam

CAS: 105-60-2

Overview

Caprolactam (CAS 105-60-2 ), commonly abbreviated as CPL, is the primary monomer used to produce Nylon 6, one of the world's most commercially significant engineering polymers.

Epsilon-Caprolactam undergoes ring-opening polymerization to yield polycaprolactam, forming the backbone of synthetic fiber and resin production at industrial scale.

The dominant use of CPL is in synthetic fiber manufacturing, where polymerized Nylon 6 is extruded into yarn for apparel, hosiery, carpeting, and technical textiles.

In plastics and engineering resins, it feeds the production of injection-molded components including automotive parts, gears, and structural housings for various industries.

Caprolactam also serves as a building block for polyurethane coatings and adhesives used in leather finishing and industrial paper treatments across the global market.

Specialty applications include its use as a blocking agent for isocyanates in reactive coating systems, where controlled deblocking at elevated temperatures enables precise cure profiles.

Caprolactam is supplied as a white crystalline solid or in molten liquid form for bulk industrial shipment to ensure efficient processing for large-scale manufacturers.

Standard commercial grades include technical-grade and fiber-grade CPL, with purity levels typically at 99.5% or higher to meet strict downstream polymerization requirements.

Physical Properties

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℃

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H312 Harmful in contact with skin H315 Causes skin irritation H316 Causes mild skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H370 Causes damage to organs H371 May cause damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure 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. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29337100
UN Number	2811
ADR Class	6.1
Packing Group	II
Storage Class	11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Textile, Leather & Paper Personal Care & Cosmetics Plastics & Polymers