Synthesis and transformations of vinylcaprolactam Part 1. Polymerization in presence of hydrogen peroxide

1. The preparation of vinylcaprolactam from acetylene and caprolactam is described; the sodium salt of caprolactam serves as a quito satisfactory catalyst. 2. Polymerization of vinylcaprolactam in presence of hydrogen peroxide has been studied over the range 100–150°. The velocity of polymerization rises, and the amount of catalyst required falls, as the reaction temperature is raised.