Cyclohexanone in the production of caprolactam. Problems and solutions

This review presents data analysis on the impurities in cyclohexanone: pathways of their formation and the influence on the qualty of commercial caprolactam. The existing purification methods are described and their advantages and drawbacks are considered. Novel, increased throughput methods for alkaline hydrolysis of esters in the process of cyclohexanone production are proposed by the authors, based on their expertise.