Synthesis of ɛ-caprolactone with stable hydrogen peroxide adducts

Abstract

Oxidation of cyclohexanone to ɛ-caprolactone with stable industrially manufactured hydrogen peroxide derivatives: adduct with urea (urea hydrogen peroxide), sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate (Persol), magnesium monoperphthalate (Dismozon) was studied. Oxidation with urea hydrogen peroxide is the most efficient in hexafluoroisopropanol in the case of preliminary removal of urea in the form of an oxalate. Oxidation with sodium perborate and percarbonate provides high yields in trifluoroacetic acid. The lowest cost process consists in interaction with sodium monoperphthalate (Persol and phthalic anhydride) in an aqueous medium.