Process for the preparation of lauryllactam

摘要

The use of methanesulfonic acid as a replacement for sulfuric acid in both stages overcomes oxime deposition problems and side reactions. The preparation of lauryl lactam comprises: (a) A photochemical reaction of cyclododecane, dissolved in an organic solvent, with a nitrosating agent and hydrogen chloride in the presence of methanesulfonic acid to form the oxime of cyclododecanone; and (b) Submission of the oxime to a Beckmann rearrangement in the presence of methanesulfonic acid.