Caprolactam → HCID 20525473, compound

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

113 g (1.0 mol) of ε-caprolactam are dissolved in 200 ml of water, and refluxed for 4 hours with 120 g (1.0 mol) of 33% sodium hydroxide solution. The batch is cooled to 20° C., and 158.4 g (0.975 mol) of 2-ethylhexanoic acid chloride as well as simultaneously about 120 g of 33% sodium hydroxide solution (for maintaining a pH of 12) are added dropwise within 1 hour at 20°-25° C. The solution is further stirred until no sodium hydroxide solution is consumed any longer, and subsequently acidified at 50° C. with semiconcentrated hydrochloric acid in order to obtain a pH of 1. Separation is carried out in warm state, and the acid is washed with 350 ml of water. Subsequently, it is dehydrated in a rotation evaporator at 75° C./100 mm Hg, and separated as nearly colorless viscous oil, which solidifies to crystals after some time. Yield 233 g (93%). Acid number 225, water content 0.4%.

Provenance & Evidence