Preparation of caprolactam

US4963673A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Franz Merger · Bischofswerda, DE
• Rolf Fischer · Heidelberg, DE
• Claus-Ulrich Priester · Ludwigshafen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 12, 1989
• Grant date: Oct 16, 1990
• Expiry date: Dec 12, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07D201/08
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Caprolactam is prepared by heating a 6-aminocaproic ester in liquid phase in the presence of water to 230.degree.-350.degree. C. under superatmospheric pressure in a reaction medium comprising a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon having a boiling point of from 80.degree. to 240.degree. C. which is inert under reaction conditions, and isolating caprolactam from the reaction mixture.