Description

β-Methyl-ε-Caprolactone is a specialized lactone monomer of significant interest in advanced polymer synthesis and fine chemical manufacturing. Its unique structure, featuring a methyl substituent on the β-carbon of the ε-caprolactone ring, offers distinct reactivity and properties for creating tailored polymeric materials. This compound is essential for R&D chemists and production engineers in the pharmaceutical, specialty polymer, and fragrance industries seeking to develop novel materials with specific performance characteristics.

Application

• Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) Monomer: A key building block for synthesizing aliphatic polyesters with modified thermal and mechanical properties compared to standard polycaprolactone (PCL).
• Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Used in the synthesis of complex drug molecules and prodrugs, leveraging its lactone functionality for controlled release or targeted delivery systems.
• Specialty Polymer Modifier: Incorporated as a co-monomer to fine-tune the biodegradability, crystallinity, and compatibility of polyester-based resins and coatings.
• Fine Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a versatile chiral synthon and precursor for the production of flavors, fragrances, and other high-value organic compounds.
• Resin & Coating Formulations: Imparts specific flexibility, adhesion, and degradation profiles to advanced coating systems and biocompatible materials.
• Academic & Industrial Research: A valuable reagent for exploring new polymerization catalysts, biodegradable polymer architectures, and material science applications.

Basic Information

Product Name	β-Methyl-ε-Caprolactone
CAS No.	2549-60-2
Molecular Formula	C7H12O2
Molecular Weight	128.17 g/mol
Synonyms	6-Methyl-ε-caprolactone; 6-Methyloxepan-2-one; 2-Oxo-6-methyloxepane; β-Methyl-ε-caprolactone; 6-Methyl-2-oxepanone; Methyl caprolactone; 6-Methylcaprolactone
EINECS	219-826-6

Quality Control

Our β-Methyl-ε-Caprolactone is produced under a strict quality management system to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and high purity. Each lot is analyzed using advanced techniques including GC, HPLC, and NMR to verify identity, potency, and impurity profiles. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing all specifications is provided with every shipment. We support custom synthesis and can tailor purity grades (e.g., >98%, >99%) to meet specific research or production requirements.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature (15-25°C). Keep away from strong bases and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents. For long-term storage under inert atmosphere, please contact us for specific recommendations.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (GC/HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.5%
Related Substances (GC)	≤ 2.0% total
Refractive Index (20°C)	1.458 - 1.462
Density (20°C)	1.02 - 1.06 g/mL

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.