METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF OMEGA LACTAMS AND THEIR PRECURSORS BY FORMATION AND NITROSATION OF A CYCLOMETHYLENE KETENE-SO2 ADDUCT

摘要

A method for the preparation of omega lactams is disclosed, more particularly epsilon caprolactam or a precursor thereof (such as cyclohexanone oxime), using as the starting material a cyclomethylene ketene, with the simultaneous formation of side products such as cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, wherein an adduct is preliminarly formed between cyclomethylene ketene and sulphur dioxide. The adduct is then reacted with a nitrosating agent so as to obtain, under the appropriate reaction conditions, the expected lactam, more specifically epsilon caprolactam.