Processes for producing epsilon caprolactams

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention relates in part to processes for producing one or more substituted or unsubstituted epsilon caprolactams e.g. epsilon caprolactam, which comprises: (a) subjecting one or more substituted or unsubstituted alkadienes to hydroxycarbonylation in the presence of a hydroxycarbonylation catalyst, e.g. a metal-organophosphorus ligand complex catalyst and , neutralization with a base to produce one or more substituted or unsubstituted pentenoic acid salts; (b) subjecting said one or more substituted or unsubstituted pentenoic acid salts to hydroformylation in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst, e.g. a metal-organophosphorus ligand complex catalyst, to produce one or …