| abstract |
Cyclopentanone is prepared from adipic esters by reacting adipic esters of the formula R1OOC-(CH2)4-COOR2 where R1 and R2 are alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 or 6 carbon atoms, aralkyl or aryl and R2 can additionally be hydrogen, in the gas or liquid phase at from 150 DEG C. to 450 DEG C. in the presence of zeolitic catalysts and/or phosphate catalysts, preferably zeolites of the pentasil type. |