Caprolactam is a chemical compound primarily used in the production of nylon-6, a type of synthetic polymer. It is a colorless, oily liquid that is produced through the cyclization of ε-aminocaproic acid or by the oxidation of cyclohexanone. In industrial settings, caprolactam is synthesized through a series of chemical reactions, including the Beckmann rearrangement. The resulting nylon-6 is widely used in textiles, automotive parts, and various consumer goods due to its strength and durability.