Process for the preparation of epsilon-caprolactone

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the preparation of epsilon-caprolactone which comprises using a solution of percarboxylic acid obtained by the oxidation of organic carboxylic acid in an organic solvent in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and a boric acid catalyst and cyclohexanone, using 1 to 1.5 mols of percarboxylic acid, 0.012 mols or less of hydrogen peroxide and 0.04 mols or less of boric acid catalyst per mole of cyclohexanone in a reaction system and reaction of the said cyclohexanone with the said percarboxylic acid to form epsilon-caprolactone.