| abstract |
A process for the preparation of ε-caprolactam starting from 6-aminocaproic acid, 6-aminocaproamide, 6-aminocaproic ester, 6-aminocapronitrile, oligomers or polymers of these compounds or mixtures comprising at least two of these compounds, which process is performed in the presence of N-(5-carboxypentyl)-ε-caprolactam and/or derivative thereof in an amount of less than 50 wt.% and more than 0.1 wt.% (based on the total reaction mixture). |