| abstract |
A process for the preparation of N-substituted lactams of the formula WHEREIN A is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having 3 to 11 carbon atoms, said substituents comprising one or more alkyl groups each having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 17 carbon atoms, comprising reacting at least one starting lactam of the formula WITH AN ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA X - CH2-R wherein X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide in solid form or in at least 50% aqueous solution at a reaction temperature of from 20*C to 120*C. |