Selectively Obtaining ε-Caprolactam from Cyclohexanone Oxime Over Al-MCM-41 Catalysts

Abstract

Catalysts with Al-MCM-41 structure were prepared by direct hydrothermal synthesis. Nest silanols with weakly acid character, associated to the presence of framework Al, have been identified. These silanols seem be the active sites for the rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime. Selectivity to caprolactam of 100 % was obtained.

Acidity versus catalytic activity in bi-structured nanomaterials

“…Moreover, here it is possible to emphasize the higher acidic strength of the mesoporous materials synthesized from zeolitic precursors: MP(20) 6-9(h) and MP(20)6-12(h). They are able to slightly retain pyridine up to 200 °C in contrast with the Al-MCM-41 material synthesized by a traditional route by us [49] (Fig. 8A, dotted line).…”