Synthesis of Caprolactam from Lysine
Case ID:
TEC2004-0126
Web Published:
3/14/2023
Executive Summary
Caprolactam is used in important polymer products such as the polyamide Nylon 6. Most Caprolactam is produced from petroleum based feedstocks and there is a desire for a more sustainable route for making the monomer. MSU researchers have developed a technology for synthesizing epsilon-caprolactam from L-lysine with yields up to 75% overall. Since L-lysine can be made from plant derived D-glucose by microbial synthesis the technology provides for a bio-based alternative route to making Caprolactam.
Description of the Technology
This invention is a process for synthesizing Caprolactam by first heating a salt of lysine in an alcohol solvent without catalyst to make alpha-amino-epsilon-caprolactam followed by deamination to yield Caprolactam. Temperatures range from 99oC to about 201oC. Yields are up to 70%. Also included are methods for producing nylon 6 using the Caprolactam produced by the above described process.
Benefits
- High Caprolactam monomer yield
- Non petroleum route for monomer synthesis
Applications
- Nylon 6
- Fibers
- Pharmaceutical products
Patent Status
US 7,399,855
Licensing Rights
Full US licensing rights available
Inventors
Dr. John Frost
TECH ID
TEC2004-0126
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For Information, Contact:
Jon Debling
Technology Manager
Michigan State University
deblingj@msu.edu
