Vapor phase Beckmann rearrangement of the cyclohexanone oxime catalyzed by AlPO₄–γAl₂O₃ Systems

Abstract

Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime has been carried out in vapor phase by means of a pulse reactor unit directly coupled to a gas chromatograph. The catalysts chosen gave good yields of ε-caprolactam. Apparent rate constants and activation energies were calculated in terms of the kinetic model of Bassett and Habgood. Selectivity studies, using pulse experiments interpreted by OPE curves, led to the conclusion that ε-caprolactam and 5-cyanopent-1-ene were competitive products. A reaction pathway is proposed which is in agreement with both the observed rates and selectivities.