caprolaktami

Caprolactam is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)5C(O)NH. It is a white solid, soluble in water and many organic solvents. Caprolactam is a cyclic amide, specifically a lactam, with a seven-membered ring. Its name derives from its structure: caproic acid, which has six carbon atoms, and lactam, referring to its amide ring.

The primary use of caprolactam is as a monomer for the production of nylon 6. This process involves the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam. Nylon 6 is a widely used synthetic polymer known for its strength, toughness, and abrasion resistance. It finds applications in textiles, carpets, fishing nets, automotive parts, and engineering plastics.

Caprolactam is commercially produced through several synthetic routes, with the most common starting material being cyclohexane. Cyclohexane is oxidized to cyclohexanone, which is then converted to cyclohexanone oxime. This oxime undergoes a Beckmann rearrangement in the presence of an acid catalyst, typically sulfuric acid, to yield caprolactam. Other less common methods involve the synthesis from phenol or butadiene.

The production of caprolactam is a significant industrial process, with global production in the millions of tons annually. Environmental considerations related to caprolactam production include the management of byproducts and emissions. While caprolactam itself has low acute toxicity, prolonged exposure to its dust can cause irritation. Its main hazard lies in its flammability as a combustible solid.