Preparation of caprolactam

US6683179B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Peter Bassler · Viernheim, DE
• Dieter Baumann · Greven, DE
• Rolf Fischer · Heidelberg, DE
• Eberhard Fuchs · Bischofswerda, DE
• Johann-Peter Melder · Schifferstadt, DE
• Frank Ohlbach · Mülheim an der Ruhr, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 2002
• Grant date: Jan 27, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 29, 2022

Classification

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

Abstract

A process for the preparation of caprolactam is provided, whereina) a mixture (I) containing 6-aminocapronitrile and water is reacted in the gas phase, in the presence of a catalyst, to give a mixture (II) containing caprolactam, ammonia, water, high-boiling components and low-boiling components,b) ammonia is then removed from the mixture (II) to give a mixture (III) containing caprolactam, water, high-boiling components and low-boiling components,c) water is then removed from the mixture (III) to give a mixture (IV) containing caprolactam, high-boiling components and low-boiling components, andd) a solid (V) containing caprolactam is then obtained from the mixture (IV) by crystallization, the proportion by weight of caprolactam in the solid (V) being greater than in the mixture (IV).