The Effective Catalyst (Cobalt Salt/Lewis Acid) for Beckmann Rearrangement of Cycloalkanone Oximes to Lactams under Mild Conditions

The Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime was achieved by the combined use of cobalt salt and Lewis acids co-catalysts (each 10 mol%). Various combinations of cobalt salts and Lewis acids gave lactams in a satisfactory yield under mild conditions. This method makes it possible to reduce undesirable byproducts.