Product Name: Caprolactam
Chemical Formula: C6H11NO
CAS Number: 105-60-2
Other Names: Hexanoic acid, lactam; 2-Oxocaprolactam
Intended Use: Nylon-6 production, intermediate for chemical synthesis
Supplier/Manufacturer: Varies by location, check packaging
Emergency Contact: Local emergency number or regional poison control
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity—Oral (Category 4), Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 2), Serious Eye Damage/Irritation (Category 2A), Specific Target Organ Toxicity—Single Exposure (Category 3, respiratory tract)
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazards: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, possible allergic skin reactions
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation; wash hands after handling; use personal protective equipment as described; do not eat, drink, or smoke when using
Main Ingredient: Caprolactam (Purity: >99%)
Impurities: Trace amounts of cyclohexanone, caproic acid, water (<1%)
Inhalation: Move to fresh air quickly, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist (cough, throat irritation).
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes, seek attention if irritation remains.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water continuously for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids as needed, seek medical help if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, offer small sips of water if the subject is alert, get medical help straight away.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray
Specific Hazards: Caprolactam dust can form explosive mixtures with air; combustion produces toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide)
Special Firefighting Procedures: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear; cool containers with water spray
Unusual Fire Hazards: Polymerization may occur under fire conditions, keep containers cool
Spill Procedures: Evacuate area, ventilate, avoid dust formation, contain and collect spillage with inert absorbent, sweep into suitable container
Personal Protection: Wear respiratory protection, safety goggles, rubber gloves, and protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, ditches, and waterways
Safe Handling: Avoid creating dust, avoid inhalation and contact with skin and eyes, use in well-ventilated areas, wash hands thoroughly after use
Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible chemicals (strong acids, oxidizing agents), keep containers tightly closed, keep away from food and drink
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, acids, bases, nylon-6 polymerization catalysts
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction); OSHA PEL: Not established specifically for Caprolactam
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, NIOSH-approved respirator for dust
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, keep street clothes and work clothes separate, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Slightly pungent
Odor Threshold: Detectable below 1 ppm
pH (aqueous solution): 7 (neutral)
Melting Point: 68°C
Boiling Point: 270°C
Flash Point: 155°C
Evaporation Rate: Negligible at room temperature
Flammability: May form combustible dust concentrations
Vapor Pressure: 0.02 mm Hg @ 25°C
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, slightly soluble in benzene
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid form)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.21
Auto-ignition Temperature: 370°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Bulk Density: 900-1100 kg/m³
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possible Reactions: Polymerizes on heating above melting point or with acids and bases
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, sources of ignition, moist conditions
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases, nylon-6 catalysts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia
Acute Toxicity (LD50/oral/rat): 1,140 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Irritating to skin
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation; may damage cornea without prompt flushing
Respiratory Sensitization: Irritating to respiratory tract, can trigger difficulty breathing
Chronic Effects: Repeated skin exposure may result in dermatitis; potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Health Effects: High dust exposure in industrial settings could affect lung function over time
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful in large concentrations; LC50 (fish, 96 hr): 900 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderate to high biodegradability in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not significant (low log Kow)
Mobility in Soil: High, may leach in moist soils
Other Environmental Hazards: Avoid uncontrolled release to environment; risk of algal blooms with nutrient runoff
Waste Treatment Methods: Send waste to licensed chemical disposal facility, follow local and regional regulations
Container Disposal: Cleaned containers may be recycled, incinerated or landfilled according to regulations
Precautions for Incineration: Ensure thorough combustion, avoid formation of nitrogen oxides
UN Number: 2810
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, organic, n.o.s. (Caprolactam)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Avoid spillage during transport
Special Precautions: Handle with care, use sealed containers, label clearly
U.S. Regulations: TSCA listed, SARA 313 reporting not required for Caprolactam, OSHA Hazardous Chemical
European Union: REACH registered, subject to workplace exposure standards
Canadian Regulations: DSL listed, WHMIS hazardous ingredient
International: Subject to local chemical safety and transport regulations, consult local laws for workplace handling and disposal
