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Chemical product profile

HONGKUN / PRODUCT DIRECTORY

N-Acetylcaprolactam | CAS 1888-91-1

A monofunctional N-acyllactam activator for anionic ε-caprolactam polymerization, where intact activating groups and moisture control matter to polyamide process development.

CAS1888-91-1
Molecular formulaC8H13NO2
Molecular weight155.19 g/mol

Product overview

N-Acetylcaprolactam contains a caprolactam ring whose nitrogen is acetylated. The resulting N-acyllactam function gives it a different role from the caprolactam monomer itself. Each molecule carries one such activating function, so comparisons with multifunctional activators should consider functional equivalents. Qualification should establish the intact compound, residual caprolactam and water in relation to the planned anionic polymerization system.

Chemical identity

Chemical name
N-Acetylcaprolactam
CAS number
1888-91-1
Molecular formula
C8H13NO2
Molecular weight
155.19 g/mol

Application context

Published polymer studies use N-acetylcaprolactam as an activator for anionic ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam to polyamide-6. More recent work examines its role in rheokinetics relevant to rapid manufacture of thermoplastic composites. Its contribution depends on the selected catalyst or initiator, monomer condition and processing schedule. During sourcing, align the activator assay with functional-equivalent calculations and evaluate the lot in the chosen polymerization formulation.

Chemistry and synthetic role

Acetylation places the lactam nitrogen between two carbonyl groups. The N-acyl functionality distinguishes this activator from unmodified ε-caprolactam.

Quality review

Activating-group content

Specify an assay for intact N-acetylcaprolactam and use it when calculating activating equivalents.

Residual caprolactam

Separate monomer carryover from activator content in the analytical report.

Water and acidic species

Agree moisture and acidity criteria suited to the sensitive anionic polymerization system.

Preparing a specification

Request intact activator assay, residual caprolactam, water and relevant acidity data, with the intended catalyst system and equivalent basis identified.

Packaging and storage

Confirm container compatibility, closure and net weight for the selected grade and destination. Follow the actual supplier SDS and batch label for storage and transport.

Documentation

Request the batch COA, SDS and analytical methods covering the agreed purchasing specification. Confirm which supporting chromatograms and application-specific records are available from the selected manufacturer.

Procurement questions

Is this the caprolactam monomer?

No. It is the N-acetyl derivative used as an activator.

Can it replace a bifunctional activator mole for mole?

A comparison must account for the number of activating groups and the process response.

Does activator purity alone predict polymerization time?

Catalyst, moisture, monomer and processing conditions also matter.

Technical sources
  1. PubChem CAS identity lookupNCBI / PubChem
  2. N-AcetylcaprolactamSigma-Aldrich
  3. Rheokinetics of ε-caprolactam anionic-ring polymerization applied to the rapid production of thermoplastic compositesRSC Applied Polymers