Catalytic Oxidation in Liquid-Phase of ?4-?10 ALKYL- and ?5-?7 Cycloalkyl Cyclohexanones to Alkylcaprolactones

The liquid-phase oxidation of 2-alkyl- and cyckloalkylcycloheksanones by aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of molybdenum compounds and dense acetic acid has been studied. The oxidation of ketones to lactone be proceed through an intermediate stage of generating peroxomolybdenum was established. The additives of acetic acid lead to accelerate the complex formation and promotion the selective oxidation of alkylcyclohexanones into the corresponding caprolactone. In the optimum conditions the yield of -caprolactone was 63, 7-81, 2 %, however the selectivity of the process 79-86 % was founded.