| Conversion of Cyclic Amines into Lactams for Synthesis of Nylons and Other Polymers |
| Reference: |
3800 |
| Summary: |
Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a process for the conversion of cyclic amines into lactams, which may have utility for the production of nylons and other industrial polymers. |
| Description: |
Lactams are used for a wide variety of commercial applications, such as precursors for the production of solvents, nylons, and other polymers. Caprolactam is a particularly important lactam that is used as a precursor for Nylon-6, of which millions of tons are sold each year. However, the traditional commercial process for production of caprolactam uses highly corrosive sulfuric acid and generates ammonium sulfate as a by-product. So-called “green” methods for production of caprolactam give relatively high yields, but require expensive high pressure equipment. To overcome these drawbacks, ISU and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a process for the conversion of cyclic amines (typically 5-, 6-, and 7-membered rings) into lactams that can be used for the synthesis of nylons and other commercially important polymers. This process uses Au/SiO2 to catalyze the reaction of cyclic amines with oxygen at low pressures and uses starting materials that do not require lengthy syntheses. |
| Advantage: |
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Enables synthesis of lactams used for a variety of commercial applications
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Process does not use highly corrosive sulfuric acid or generate ammonium sulfate by product
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Does not require high pressure equipment
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Uses different starting materials than traditional routes to lactams
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| Application: |
Synthesis of nylons and other polymers |
| Stage: |
Conversion of cyclic amines to a variety of lactams with yields of up to 50% have been demonstrated experimentally using this process, and ISU is seeking commercialization partners. |
| Supporting Documents: |
|
| Patents: |
8212027 (Issued July 3, 2012) Entitled "Process for the Conversion of Cyclic Amines..."
|
| License Associate: |
Craig Forney
E-mail: licensing@iastate.edu
Phone: 515-294-9513
|
| Keywords: |
Lactams, nylons, polymer, caprolactam, pyrrolidone, piperidone, cyclic amines, Ames Laboratory |
| Entry Date: |
February 4, 2011 |
| Revised Date: |
February 26, 2013 |
