A method for the production of epsilon.sub.r - caprolactam and epsilon (ε) - caprolactam - precursors

摘要

Process for the preparation of ε-caprolactam and ε-caprolactam precursors, starting from the corresponding 5-formylvalerate ester, ammonia and hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, wherein in a first step 5-formylvalerate ester is reacted with ammonia under non-hydrogenating conditions, and in a second step the reaction product obtained in the first step is converted to ε-caprolactam and the ε-caprolactam precursor(s) under hydrogenating conditions in the presence of ammonia.