CAPROLACTAM Meaning and
Definition
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Caprolactam is a chemical compound that is primarily used in the production of nylon-6, which is a synthetic polymer. It is classified as a lactam due to its cyclic structure containing both an amide and a carbonyl group. The compound has a molecular formula of C6H11NO, and its systematic name is Azepan-2-one.
Caprolactam is commonly produced through the reaction of cyclohexanone with hydroxylamine in the presence of sulfuric acid as a catalyst. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a distinct odor and is highly soluble in water. It has a melting point of approximately 69-70 °C and a boiling point around 271 °C.
In the context of nylon-6 production, caprolactam acts as the monomer that polymerizes to form long chains of nylon-6. These chains possess strong intermolecular forces, resulting in a durable and versatile material that finds applications in various industries including textiles, packaging, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Nylon-6 is known for its high tensile strength, excellent resistance to wear and tear, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
Aside from its primary usage in nylon-6 production, caprolactam also finds applications in the production of other polymers, such as polyamide-6,6 and polyurethanes. Furthermore, it is utilized as a raw material in the manufacturing of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and various chemicals. Caprolactam is an important compound in the chemical industry, contributing to the production of numerous materials that have become integral parts of our daily lives.
Common Misspellings for CAPROLACTAM
- xaprolactam
- vaprolactam
- faprolactam
- daprolactam
- czprolactam
- csprolactam
- cwprolactam
- cqprolactam
- caorolactam
- calrolactam
- ca-rolactam
- ca0rolactam
- capeolactam
- capdolactam
- capfolactam
- captolactam
- cap5olactam
- cap4olactam
- caprilactam
- caprklactam
Etymology of CAPROLACTAM
The word "Caprolactam" comes from the combination of two parts: "Capro-" and "-lactam".
"Capro-" is derived from the Latin word "capra", meaning "goat". It refers to the fact that Caprolactam can be synthesized from a product called "hexamethylenediamine", which can be obtained from the oil of the oil-producing gland in a male goat's wool.
"-Lactam" is a term used to describe a cyclic amide compound. It is derived from the Greek word "laktos", meaning "milk", due to the similarity in structure between lactams and lactose, a sugar obtained from milk.
Therefore, the etymology of "Caprolactam" reflects both the source material and the cyclic structure of the compound.
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