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InventoryRef 9742814/10/2019

CAPROLACTAM

2H-Azepin-2-one, hexahydro-

CAPROLACTAM is listed in the EU CosIng inventory, but no direct annex records are linked on this page yet.

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Regulatory evidence by market

No rule for this ingredient has been imported for any of the 13 markets tracked here.

That describes this inventory, not the law. No imported rule is not evidence that an ingredient is permitted: a rule may exist under another name or identifier, or in a dataset not yet imported here.

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Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 105-60-2
CAS 105-60-2PubChem CID 7768

Caprolactam

Epsilon-caprolactam is a member of the class of caprolactams that is azepane substituted by an oxo group at position 2. It has a role as a human blood serum metabolite. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
azepan-2-one
Molecular formula
C6H11NO
Molecular weight
113.16 g/mol
Exact mass
113.084063974 Da
XLogP3
-0.1
Topological polar surface area
29.1 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

epsilon-Caprolactam2-Oxohexamethylenimine6-CaprolactamAminocaproic lactamHexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one6-Hexanelactam2-Oxohexamethyleneimine2-Azacycloheptanone
16 more reported names
Hexanolactam2H-Azepin-2-one, hexahydro-Hexahydro-2-azepinone2-Perhydroazepinone1,6-HexolactamHexanone isoximeHexanonisoximCaprolattame2-KetohexamethylenimineCyclohexanone iso-oxime2-Ketohexamethyleneimine1-Aza-2-cycloheptanoneCaprolactam monomerEpsylon kaprolaktam6-Aminocaproic acid lactamExtrom 6N
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:28579

ε-caprolactam

A member of the class of caprolactams that is azepane substituted by an oxo group at position 2.

Formula
C6H11NO
Average mass
113.160 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
113.08406 Da
Formal charge
0
  • caprolactams — is a (CHEBI:23000)
  • human blood serum metabolite — has role (CHEBI:85234)
  • human blood serum metabolite — has role (CHEBI:85234)
  • caprolactams — is a (CHEBI:23000)
Additional curated names
azepan-2-one2-ketohexamethyleneimine2-oxohexamethylenimine6-caprolactamaminocaproic lactamcaprolactamepsilon-Caprolactamhexahydro-2H-azepin-2-oneKaprolaktamepsilon-caprolactam
Cross-references from this source
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 101802 — Gmelin
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 106934 — Reaxys
  • CAS: 105-60-2 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 105-60-2 — ChemIDplus
  • CAS: 105-60-2 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C00000318 — KNApSAcK
  • MANUAL_X_REF: c0432 — UM-BBD
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C06593 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: Caprolactam — Wikipedia
  • MANUAL_X_REF: CPD-883 — MetaCyc
  • MANUAL_X_REF: ICC — PDBeChem
  • MANUAL_X_REF: KR20120003540 — Patent
  • MANUAL_X_REF: US2011183386 — Patent
  • MANUAL_X_REF: WO2011108251 — Patent

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2020-05-21. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7768

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Water wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If symptoms occur after washing, get medical attention immediately.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Warning Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 1874) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (99.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315 (99.9%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (99.9%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332 (99.9%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335 (95.8%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1874 reports by companies from 31 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 1874 reports by companies.; There are 30 notifications provided by 1873 of 1874 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3.2 was calculated for caprolactam(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.66(1,SRC) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 57(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that caprolactam is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of caprolactam from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.4X10-11 atm-cu m/mole from its vapor pressure, 1.9X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(5), and water solubility, 5.25X10+6 mg/l(6). Caprolactam is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1.9X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Caprolactam is degraded in aquatic environments with a half life of 5 to 15 days, and is expected to be degraded in aerobic soils in a similar timeframe(6). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 57(SRC), determined from an estimation method(2), indicates that caprolactam is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids or to sediments in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.4X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) calculated from its vapor pressure, 1.9X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(4), and water solubility, 5.25X10+6 mg/l(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3.1(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 0.66(7) suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Biodegradation in aquatic environments is expected to be extensive; complete degradation of 50-100 ug/ml caprolactam was observed in nutrient-amended or sediment-associated lake water in 21 days(8). Slightly less caprolactam was degraded (36-85%) after 21 days if higher concentrations (1000 to 2000 ug/ml) were used. However, in none of these control cases was any complete degradation (mineralization) of the caprolactam observed. Based on very slow hydrolysis rates of other aliphatic acid amides, hydrolysis is not expected to be an important fate Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), caprolactam, which has a vapor pressure of 1.9X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(4), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase caprolactam is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 21 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 18X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Caprolactam does not absorb light in the environmental spectrum (>290 nm), indicating there is little potential for direct photolysis. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Dye; Intermediate; Catalyst; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Monomers; Solvent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Uses: Caprolactam is primarily used in the manufacture of synthetic fibers (especially Nylon 6). Caprolactam is also used in brush bristles, textile stiffeners, film coatings, synthetic leather, plastics, plasticizers, paint vehicles, cross-linking for polyurethanes, and in the synthesis of lysine. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a monomer for synthetic fibers, plastics, coatings, plasticizers, and paint vehicles and as a cross-linking agent for polyurethanes. [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Mfr synthetic fibers of the polyamide type (Perlon); solvent for high mol wt polymers Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Manufacture of synthetic fibers (especially nylon 6), plastics, bristles, film, coatings, synthetic leather, plasticizers and paint vehicles, cross-linking agent for polyurethanes, synthesis of amino acid lysine. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: US FDA PERMITS USE OF CAPROLACTAM ETHYLENE-ETHYL ACRYLATE GRAFT POLYMERS AS COMPONENT OF SIDE SEAM CEMENTS INTENDED FOR USE IN CONTACT WITH FOOD ... Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Inventory details for CAPROLACTAM

INCI name

CAPROLACTAM

Description

2H-Azepin-2-one, hexahydro-

Record provenance

Inventory reference
97428
Imported identity
CAPROLACTAM
Source update
14/10/2019
European Commission CosIng source notes
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Key data

CAS
105-60-2
EC
203-313-2
Restriction
—
Function
NOT REPORTED
No function currently reported.

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

CALCIUM ACRYLATENOT REPORTED
CAMPHOR SULFONIC ACIDNOT REPORTED
CANDIDA/GARCINIA CAMBOGIA FERMENTNOT REPORTED
CAPRAE LAC EXTRACTNOT REPORTED
CAPRYLOYL GLYCERINNOT REPORTED
CAPRYLYLSILSESQUIOXYZEOLITENOT REPORTED
CARBONNOT REPORTED
CARBONIC ACIDNOT REPORTED

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight

ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal

How CAPROLACTAM appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists CAPROLACTAM as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 0 annex records. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex records show where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

CAPROLACTAM is also tagged with 1 cosmetic function in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

CAPROLACTAM is listed in the EU CosIng ingredient inventory with no direct annex restriction records linked at this time. Absence of an annex link does not guarantee unrestricted use — always verify against the current official CosIng database before formulating.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, CAPROLACTAM carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 105-60-2 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
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Source note for CAPROLACTAM

This page reproduces the CosIng inventory entry for CAPROLACTAM from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials and shows linked identifiers even when no direct annex match is currently attached.

Use this inventory page to research CAPROLACTAM and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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