On caprolactam polymerization

Abstract The mechanism of the alkaline polymerization of caprolactam is discussed. It is pointed out, that various untypical transpostions of the amide group occur simultaneously with the normal transamidation process. It is assumed that imide groups formed by a disproportionating transamidation take part in condensatoion reactions. The characteristic disappearance of the catalytic activity is explained as a result of neutralisation of the basic catalyst by these condensation products. The new extraordinally fast alkaline polymerization of caprolactam in the presence of imides is discussed and the scope of the new process is given.