Cyclohexanone Ammoximation: A Break Through In The 6-Caprolactam Production Process

As a part of a research devoted to selective oxidation of organic compounds, we have studied the synthesis of cyclohexanonoxime by direct ammonia oxidation in presence of cyclohexanone. By using titanium silicalite as catalyst the reaction took place in a smooth and selective way. The effect of the most important experimental conditions was investigated. The role of the catalyst and some possible reaction mechanisms were discussed. Our results provided a promising starting point for the development of a new technology for cyclohexanonoxime synthesis.