noun
- A cyclic organic compound used primarily in the manufacture of nylon-6 fibers and plastics.
Usage: technical; chemistry
Examples
- Caprolactam is the key raw material for producing nylon-6 textiles.
- The chemical industry uses caprolactam in large quantities to manufacture synthetic fibers.
- Nylon-6 is synthesized by polymerizing caprolactam through ring-opening polymerization.
- Caprolactam can be produced from cyclohexanone through an oxidation process.
- Many plastic products, including automotive parts, are made from caprolactam-derived polymers.