Caprolactam

  • Hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one
  • Aminocaproic lactam
  • Epsilon-Caprolactam
Formula C6H11NO
Structure
Description White, crystalline solid or flakes with an unpleasant odor, hygroscopic.
Uses Manufacture synthetic fibers of the polyamide type (perlon), solvent for high mol wt polymers.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 105-60-2
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 203-313-2
EC Index Number 613-069-00-2
EC Class Harmful; Irritant
EC Risk Phrase R 20/22 36/37/38
RTECS CM3675000
RTECS class Tumorigen; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant
Merck 13,1767
Beilstein/Gmelin 106934
Beilstein Reference 5-21-06-00444
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-2175
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold 0.3 mg/m3
Properties.
Formula C6H11NO
Formula mass 113.16
Melting point, °C 68 - 70
Boiling point, °C 266.9
Vapor pressure, mmHg 1 (60 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 3.91
Saturation Concentration 1.32 ppm (0.0001%) at 20 C (calculated)
Critical temperature 506.9
Critical pressure 45
Density 1.022 g/cm3
Solubility in water Miscible
Viscosity 9 cp @ 78C
Surface tension 20 g/s2
Refractive index 1.4965 (20 C)
Heat of fusion 15.2 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 74.10 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -3604 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container.
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Use only in a chemical fume hood.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Wash area with soap and water. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.
Disposal code 3
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases.
Decomposition Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C 152
Autoignition, °C 395
Upper exp. limit, % 8
Lower exp. limit, % 1.4
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. To extinguish fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
Hazards Toxic oxides of nitrogen
Combustion products Toxic oxides of nitrogen
NFPA Health 1
  Flammability 1  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) NIOSH REL: Dust: TWA 1 mg/m3 ST 3 mg/m3 Vapor: TWA 0.22 ppm (1 mg/m3) ST 0.66 ppm (3 mg/m3)
Poison_Class 4
Exposure effects Chronic ingestion may cause neurological symptoms.
   Ingestion May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May be harmful if swallowed.
   Inhalation Causes respiratory tract irritation. Toxic if inhaled.
   Skin Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. May cause dermatitis.
   Eyes Vapors cause eye irritation.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
   Inhalation Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
   Skin Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
   Eyes Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Transport.
USCG CHRIS Code CLS  
USCG Compatatibility Group 22 Caprolactam solution
HS Code 2933 71 00  
Std. Transport # 4941102  
IMO Pollution Category D