Chemical Formula: C6H10O2
Molar Mass: 114.14 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faint, sweet odor
Density: 1.069 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Boiling Point: 236 - 238 °C
Melting Point: -60 °C
Solubility In Water: Insoluble
Solubility In Organic Solvents: Soluble in many organic solvents like ethanol, acetone
Flash Point: 126 °C
FAQ
What is the main application of epsilon caprolactone?
Epsilon - caprolactone has several main applications:Epsilon-caprolactone is used in several different applications.
1. In the field of polymer synthesisIn the field
- It is widely used to produce polycaprolactone (PCL).It is widely used in the production of polycaprolactone. PCL is a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester.PCL is biodegradable, biocompatible polyester. Due to its low melting point (around 60degC) and good solubility in many organic solvents, it is easy to process.It is easy to process due to its low melting temperature (around 60degC), and its good solubility in organic solvents. For example, in 3D printing, PCL can be extruded through a nozzle to create complex 3 - D structures.PCL can also be extruded using a nozzle in 3D printing to create complex 3D structures. Its biodegradability makes it suitable for applications where the material is expected to break down over time, such as in tissue engineering scaffolds.Its biodegradability is ideal for applications that are expected to degrade over time, like tissue engineering scaffolds. The slow degradation rate of PCL allows cells to attach, grow, and form new tissue while the scaffold gradually disappears.The slow degradation of PCL allows for cells to attach and grow while forming new tissue.
- Copolymers can also be made by reacting epsilon - caprolactone with other monomers.Copolymers are also made by reacting Epsilon-Caprolactone with monomers. For instance, copolymerizing epsilon - caprolactone with lactide can result in materials with tailored properties.Copolymerizing lactide with epsilon-caprolactone can produce materials with tailored properties. The resulting copolymers can have different degradation rates, mechanical strengths, and hydrophilic - hydrophobic balances, which are useful in drug delivery systems.The copolymers produced can have different degradation rate, mechanical strength, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic balances. These properties are useful for drug delivery systems.
2. In drug delivery systems
- Epsilon - caprolactone - based polymers play a crucial role.Epsilon-caprolactone-based polymers are crucial. PCL, as mentioned before, can encapsulate drugs.PCL can encapsulate medications, as we have already mentioned. The slow - release property of PCL allows drugs to be released in a controlled manner over an extended period.PCL's slow-release property allows drugs to be released slowly over a long period of time. For example, in the treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes, drugs can be incorporated into PCL - based nanoparticles.PCL-based nanoparticles can be used to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes. These nanoparticles can be designed to target specific cells or tissues.These nanoparticles are designed to target specific tissues or cells. The hydrophobic nature of PCL helps in the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs, and by modifying the surface of the nanoparticles with hydrophilic polymers, their circulation time in the body can be increased.The hydrophobic properties of PCL help in encapsulating hydrophobic drugs. By modifying the surface with hydrophilic polymers on the nanoparticles, their circulation in the body can also be increased.
- Additionally, in implantable drug delivery devices, epsilon - caprolactone - derived polymers can be used.Polymers derived from epsilon-caprolactone can also be used in implantable delivery devices. These devices can be implanted under the skin, and the drug is released steadily over months or even years, reducing the need for frequent drug administration.These devices can be inserted under the skin and release the drug slowly over months or years, reducing the frequency of drug administration.
3. In coatings and adhesivesIn coatings and adhesives
- Polymers made from epsilon - caprolactone can be used to formulate coatings.Coatings can be made with polymers made from epsilon-caprolactone. These coatings can provide good adhesion to various substrates, such as metals, plastics, and ceramics.These coatings are able to adhere well to a variety of substrates such as metals and plastics. They also offer excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals.They are also resistant to abrasions and chemicals. For example, in the automotive industry, coatings containing epsilon - caprolactone - based polymers can be used to protect the car body from corrosion and scratches.In the automotive industry, for example, coatings that contain epsilon-caprolactone-based polymers are used to protect car bodies from corrosion and scratches.
- In the adhesive industry, epsilon - caprolactone - based polymers can improve the performance of adhesives.In the adhesive industry epsilon-caprolactone-based polymers can enhance the performance of adhesives. They can enhance the bond strength, flexibility, and durability of the adhesives.They can improve the bond strength, durability, and flexibility of adhesives. This makes them suitable for applications where high - strength and long - lasting bonds are required, such as in the assembly of electronic devices or in the construction industry for bonding different building materials.They are therefore suitable for applications that require high-strength and long-lasting bonds, such as the assembly of electronic devices, or the construction industry to bond different building materials.
How is epsilon caprolactone produced?
Epsilon - caprolactone is produced through several methods, with the most common one being the oxidation of cyclohexanone.Epsilon-caprolactone can be produced in several ways, the most common being the oxidation cyclohexanone.
The Baeyer - Villiger oxidation is a key process in its production.Its production is dependent on the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. In this reaction, cyclohexanone reacts with a peroxyacid.In this reaction, the cyclohexanone is reacting with a peroxyacid. Commonly used peroxyacids include peracetic acid or m - chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA).Peracetic acid and m-chloroperbenzoic acids (mCPBA) are common peroxyacids. The reaction mechanism involves the migration of a carbon - carbon bond adjacent to the carbonyl group of cyclohexanone.The reaction is mediated by the migration of the carbon-carbon bond adjacent to the cyclohexanone carbonyl group. The oxygen from the peroxyacid inserts between the carbonyl carbon and the migrating group.The oxygen from peroxyacid is inserted between the carbonyl group and the migrating groups.
For example, when using peracetic acid, the reaction proceeds as follows: The peracetic acid (CH3COOOH) donates an oxygen atom to the cyclohexanone (C6H10O).Peracetic acid is a good example. The peracetic (CH3COOOH), donates an atom of oxygen to the cyclohexanone. The carbon - carbon bond adjacent to the carbonyl in cyclohexanone migrates, and the result is the formation of epsilon - caprolactone (C6H10O2) and acetic acid (CH3COOH).The carbon-carbon bond adjacent to carbonyl in the cyclohexanone migrates and results in the formation of epsilon-caprolactone (C6H10O2), and acetic (CH3COOH). The reaction is typically carried out in an organic solvent such as dichloromethane, which helps to dissolve the reactants and promote the reaction.The reaction is usually carried out in a solvent organic, such as dichloromethane. This helps dissolve the reactants and accelerate the reaction.
Another approach to producing epsilon - caprolactone is through the ring - opening polymerization of caprolactone monomers.Ring-opening polymerization is another way to produce epsilon-caprolactone from caprolactone monomers. This method is more relevant when the focus is on obtaining polymers rather than the pure monomer itself.This method is most useful when the goal is to obtain polymers, rather than just the monomer. However, it still involves the initial production of epsilon - caprolactone as the monomer.It still requires the production of epsilon-caprolactone, the monomer.
In industrial production, the choice of the peroxyacid is influenced by factors such as cost, availability, and the ease of handling.In industrial production, factors such as cost and availability are important. Also, the peroxyacid chosen is dependent on its ease of handling. Peracetic acid is relatively inexpensive and can be produced in - house in some cases.Peracetic acid can be produced at home and is relatively cheap. But it also has drawbacks like being a strong oxidizer and having a relatively short shelf - life.It has some drawbacks, such as being a strong oxygenator and having a short shelf life. mCPBA, on the other hand, is more selective and can give high yields of epsilon - caprolactone, but it is more expensive.mCPBA is more selective, can produce high yields of epsilon – caprolactone but is more expensive. Process optimization in the industrial setting also includes controlling reaction conditions such as temperature, reaction time, and reactant ratios to maximize the yield of epsilon - caprolactone while minimizing side reactions.In the industrial setting, process optimization also includes controlling the reaction conditions, such as temperature, time and reactant ratios, to maximize the yield of caprolactone epsilon.
What are the properties of epsilon caprolactone?
Epsilon - caprolactone is a cyclic ester with several important properties.Epsilon-caprolactone, a cyclic ester with many important properties.
Physical properties:Physical Properties
Epsilon - caprolactone is a colorless to slightly yellowish liquid at room temperature.Epsilon-caprolactone is a colorless liquid that can be slightly yellowish at room temperature. It has a relatively low viscosity, which makes it easy to handle in various industrial processes.It is easy to handle because of its low viscosity. It has a characteristic odor.It has a characteristic smell. The melting point of epsilon - caprolactone is around - 60 degC, and its boiling point is approximately 242 degC at standard atmospheric pressure.At standard atmospheric pressure, the melting point of epsilon-caprolactone is - 60 degC and its boiling is 242 degC. This relatively wide liquid - state temperature range allows for its use in different processing conditions.This wide range of liquid-state temperatures allows its use under different processing conditions. It is sparingly soluble in water but miscible with many organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, and esters.It is only slightly soluble in water, but it is miscible with a wide range of organic solvents including alcohols, ketones and esters.
Chemical properties:Chemical properties
One of the most significant chemical features of epsilon - caprolactone is its high reactivity towards ring - opening polymerization.Epsilon-caprolactone's high reactivity to ring-opening polymerization is one of its most important chemical features. The cyclic structure contains a strained ring, which provides the driving force for polymerization reactions.The cyclic structure has a strained ring that is the driving force behind polymerization reactions. It can be polymerized using a variety of initiators, including anionic, cationic, and coordination initiators.It can be polymerized with a variety initiators including anionics, cationics, and coordination initiators. When polymerized, it forms polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polyester.It forms polycaprolactone, a biodegradable polymer. PCL has a relatively low glass - transition temperature (around - 60 degC) and a melting temperature in the range of 59 - 64 degC, making it a semi - crystalline polymer.PCL is a semi-crystalline polymer with a glass-transition temperature of around -60 degC and a melting range between 59-64 degC.
Epsilon - caprolactone can also undergo reactions with nucleophiles.Epsilon-caprolactone is also capable of undergoing reactions with nucleophiles. For example, it can react with alcohols in the presence of a catalyst to form esters.It can, for example, react with alcohols when a catalyst is present to form esters. This reaction is useful in the synthesis of various esters and in the modification of polymers.This reaction can be used to synthesize various esters or modify polymers. The carbonyl group in the lactone ring is reactive, which can participate in reactions such as reduction to form hydroxy - functionalized compounds.The carbonyl group of the lactone ring can be reactive and participate in reactions like reduction to form hydroxy-functionalized compounds.
Biological properties:Biological properties
Epsilon - caprolactone - based polymers, like polycaprolactone, are known for their biocompatibility.Biocompatibility is a feature of polymers based on Epsilon-caprolactone-like polycaprolactone. They have been widely used in biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and sutures.They are widely used in biomedical products such as tissue engineering scaffolds and sutures. The slow degradation rate of polycaprolactone in the body is an advantage in some applications, as it can maintain the integrity of the device over a desired period.In some applications, the slow degradation of polycaprolactone can be an advantage as it maintains the integrity of the device for a long period of time. The degradation products of epsilon - caprolactone - derived polymers are generally non - toxic and can be metabolized by the body.The degradation products from epsilon-caprolactone-derived polymers can be metabolized and are non-toxic. This makes it suitable for long - term implantation in the human body.This makes it suitable to be implanted in the body for a long time.
In summary, epsilon - caprolactone's physical, chemical, and biological properties make it a valuable compound in a wide range of industries, from polymer synthesis to biomedical applications.Epsilon-caprolactone is a compound with physical, chemical and biological properties that are useful in a variety of industries. These range from polymer synthesis through to biomedical uses.
What are the safety precautions when handling epsilon caprolactone?
Epsilon - caprolactone is a chemical compound with certain characteristics, and the following safety precautions should be taken when handling it.Epsilon-caprolactone has certain characteristics and should be handled with caution.
First, in terms of personal protective equipment.Personal protective equipment is the first thing to consider. When coming into contact with epsilon - caprolactone, it is essential to wear appropriate protective clothing.It is important to wear protective clothing when coming into contact with epsilon-caprolactone. This includes long - sleeved laboratory coats or chemical - resistant coveralls to prevent skin contact with the chemical.To prevent skin contact, long-sleeved lab coats or chemical-resistant coveralls are recommended. Gloves made of materials resistant to epsilon - caprolactone, such as nitrile gloves, should be worn to protect the hands.Gloves resistant to epsilon-caprolactone (such as nitrile) should be worn on the hands to protect them. Additionally, safety goggles or a face shield must be used to safeguard the eyes from potential splashes.Safety goggles or face shields are also recommended to protect the eyes from possible splashes.
Second, regarding handling in a work environment.Second, handling in the workplace. Operations involving epsilon - caprolactone should be carried out in a well - ventilated area, preferably under a fume hood.Epsilon-caprolactone operations should be performed in a well-ventilated area, preferably with a fume-hood. Adequate ventilation helps to prevent the build - up of vapors, which can be harmful if inhaled.Adequate ventilation is important to prevent the accumulation of vapors that can be harmful when inhaled. When transferring or measuring epsilon - caprolactone, use proper equipment like graduated cylinders, pipettes, and funnels to avoid spills.To avoid spills, use the right equipment when transferring or calculating epsilon-caprolactone. This includes graduated cylinders and pipettes. If a spill occurs, immediately take appropriate clean - up measures.Take immediate action to clean up any spills. Absorb the spilled liquid with an absorbent material such as vermiculite or sand, and then place the contaminated absorbent in a proper waste container for disposal.Absorb spilled liquids with absorbent materials such as vermiculite, sand or a similar material. Place the contaminated absorbent into a suitable waste container.
Third, in terms of storage.Third, storage. Epsilon - caprolactone should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat and ignition.Epsilon-caprolactone must be stored in a dry, cool place away from heat sources and ignition. It should be kept in a tightly sealed container to prevent evaporation and contact with air, moisture, or reactive substances.It should be stored in a tightly-sealed container to prevent evaporation, contact with moisture or reactive substances, and contact with the air. Label the storage container clearly with the name of the chemical, its hazards, and any relevant safety information.Label the container with the name of chemical, its hazards and any relevant safety data.
Fourth, be aware of its potential health hazards.Be aware of the potential health hazards. Epsilon - caprolactone may cause skin and eye irritation.Epsilon-caprolactone can cause eye and skin irritation. In case of skin contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.If skin contact occurs, remove the contaminated clothing immediately and wash the affected area with soap and warm water for 15 minutes. If it gets into the eyes, rinse them continuously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly.If it gets in the eyes, rinse them with plenty of water continuously for at least 15 minute and seek medical attention immediately. In case of inhalation, move to fresh air immediately.In the event of inhalation, you should immediately move to fresh air. If breathing difficulties persist, seek medical help.
Finally, make sure that all personnel handling epsilon - caprolactone are properly trained in its safe handling procedures, potential hazards, and emergency response measures.Final step: Make sure all personnel handling epsilon-caprolactone is properly trained on its safe handling procedures. Also, ensure that they are aware of any potential hazards and emergency response measures. This helps to ensure a safe working environment and minimize the risk of accidents or exposures.This will help to create a safe work environment and reduce the risk of accidents.
What are the environmental impacts of epsilon caprolactone production?
Epsilon - caprolactone is an important monomer used in the synthesis of various polymers.Epsilon-caprolactone is a monomer that is used to synthesize many polymers. The production of epsilon - caprolactone can have several environmental impacts.The production of epsilon-caprolactone has several environmental impacts.
One of the primary environmental concerns is related to the raw materials.Raw materials are a major concern for the environment. The most common method for producing epsilon - caprolactone is the oxidation of cyclohexanone.The most common way to produce epsilon-caprolactone involves the oxidation cyclohexanone. Cyclohexanone is typically derived from benzene, which is a carcinogenic compound.Cyclohexanone can be produced by oxidizing benzene. The extraction and processing of benzene involve energy - intensive processes.Energy-intensive processes are used to extract and process benzene. The extraction of crude oil, from which benzene is ultimately obtained, can lead to habitat destruction, soil and water pollution, and air emissions during the refining process.The extraction of crude oils, from which benzene ultimately is obtained, can cause habitat destruction, soil and groundwater pollution, and air emission during the refining processes.
Energy consumption is another significant aspect.Another important aspect is energy consumption. The production of epsilon - caprolactone requires high - temperature and high - pressure conditions for the oxidation reaction.The oxidation reaction required for the production of epsilon-caprolactone is high-temperature and high-pressure. This demands a large amount of energy, usually from fossil - fuel - based power sources.This requires a large amount energy, which is usually derived from fossil fuels. High energy consumption leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.High energy consumption increases greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change. The release of carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants during the generation of electricity for the production process can have far - reaching environmental consequences.The release of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, methane and other pollutants when electricity is generated for production can have a wide-ranging impact on the environment.
In terms of waste generation, the production process may produce various by - products.The production process can produce a variety of by-products. These by - products can be difficult to dispose of properly.These by-products can be difficult to properly dispose of. Some may be hazardous and could contaminate soil, water, and air if not managed correctly.Some by-products can be hazardous and contaminate air, soil, and water if they are not handled correctly. For example, unreacted starting materials, intermediate compounds, or side - reaction products might end up in waste streams.In waste streams, for example, you may find unreacted materials, intermediate compounds or side-reaction products. If these waste materials are not treated, they can leach into the environment, potentially harming aquatic life, plants, and even human health.These waste materials can leak into the environment and harm aquatic life, plants and even human health if they are not treated.
Furthermore, the chemicals used in the production process, such as catalysts, may also pose risks.Moreover, the chemicals used to produce the catalysts themselves, as well as the process itself, can also pose a risk. Some catalysts can be toxic or difficult to recycle.Some catalysts are toxic or difficult for recycling. If they are released into the environment, they can cause ecological damage.They can cause environmental damage if they are released in the environment. The disposal of spent catalysts requires careful handling to prevent environmental contamination.To prevent contamination of the environment, it is important to dispose of spent catalysts with care.
However, efforts are being made to mitigate these environmental impacts.Efforts are being made, however, to mitigate these impacts on the environment. Research is underway to develop more sustainable production methods.Researchers are working to develop more sustainable methods of production. This includes finding alternative raw materials that are less harmful to the environment, such as using bio - based feedstocks.This includes the use of bio-based feedstocks and other raw materials that are less harmful for the environment. Additionally, improving the efficiency of the production process can reduce energy consumption, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.Increasing the efficiency of production can also reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling and proper waste management strategies for by - products and catalysts are also being explored to minimize the environmental footprint of epsilon - caprolactone production.To minimize the environmental impact of epsilon-caprolactone production, recycling and waste management strategies are being explored.
What is epsilon caprolactone used for?
Epsilon - caprolactone is a versatile chemical compound with several important applications.Epsilon-caprolactone, a versatile chemical compound, has several important applications.
One of the primary uses of epsilon - caprolactone is in the production of polymers.Polymers are one of the main uses of epsilon-caprolactone. It can be polymerized to form polycaprolactone (PCL).It can be polymerized into polycaprolactone. PCL is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer.PCL is biodegradable, biocompatible and biocompatible. In the medical field, this makes it an ideal material for drug delivery systems.This makes it a perfect material for drug delivery in the medical field. For example, drugs can be encapsulated within PCL matrices.PCL matrixes can be used to encapsulate drugs. The slow degradation of PCL in the body allows for a controlled release of the drug over an extended period.The slow degradation rate of PCL allows for a controlled drug release over a longer period. This is beneficial for maintaining a stable therapeutic level of the drug in the body, reducing the frequency of dosing, and minimizing side - effects associated with high - dose bolus administrations.This helps maintain a therapeutic level in the body and reduces the frequency of doses. It also minimizes side effects associated with high-dose bolus administrations.
In tissue engineering, PCL derived from epsilon - caprolactone is also widely used.PCL, derived from epsilon-caprolactone, is also widely used in tissue engineering. It can be fabricated into scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix of tissues.It can be fabricated to mimic the extracellular matrix in tissues. These scaffolds provide a three - dimensional structure for cells to attach, proliferate, and differentiate.These scaffolds offer a three-dimensional structure that allows cells to attach, multiply, and differentiate. PCL's biocompatibility ensures that it does not elicit an adverse immune response in the body, facilitating the growth of new tissue.PCL's biocompatibility means that it will not trigger an adverse immune reaction in the body. This will facilitate the growth of new tissues.
Epsilon - caprolactone is also used in the synthesis of polyurethanes.Epsilon-caprolactone can also be used to synthesize polyurethanes. When incorporated into polyurethane formulations, it can improve the properties of the resulting material.It can be incorporated into polyurethane formulas to improve the material's properties. For instance, it can enhance the flexibility and low - temperature performance of polyurethanes.It can, for example, improve the flexibility and low-temperature performance of polyurethanes. These modified polyurethanes find applications in various industries.These modified polyurethanes are used in many industries. In the automotive industry, they may be used in the production of parts such as seals and gaskets, where flexibility and durability are required.In the automotive industry they can be used to produce parts like seals and gaskets where flexibility and durability is required. In the footwear industry, they can be used to make soles that are both comfortable and long - lasting.In the footwear industry they can be used to create soles that are comfortable and long-lasting.
Furthermore, in the coatings industry, epsilon - caprolactone - based polymers can be used to formulate high - performance coatings.In the coatings industry epsilon-caprolactone-based polymers are also used to formulate high-performance coatings. These coatings offer good adhesion, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance.These coatings are resistant to abrasion, chemical resistance, and have good adhesion. They can be applied to a variety of substrates, including metals, plastics, and wood, to protect them from environmental damage, corrosion, and wear.These coatings can be applied to metals, wood, plastics and other substrates to protect them against corrosion and wear.
In the field of adhesives, epsilon - caprolactone - containing polymers can contribute to the development of adhesives with improved properties.Epsilon-caprolactone-containing polymers in the adhesives field can contribute to the improvement of adhesive properties. They can enhance the bonding strength, flexibility, and durability of adhesives, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from bonding electronic components to joining different types of materials in construction.They can improve the bonding strength and flexibility of adhesives. This makes them suitable for many applications, including joining different types materials in construction.