ε-Caprolactam is a cyclic amide that serves as a key intermediate in the production of nylon-6, a type of synthetic polymer. It is a colorless, oily liquid that is soluble in water and organic solvents. The compound is produced through the ring-opening polymerization process, which allows it to form long chains of nylon. This chemical is primarily manufactured from cyclohexanone and hydrogen peroxide through a series of reactions. ε-Caprolactam is important in the textile and plastics industries, where it is used to create fibers, films, and various molded products.