NEW MATERIAL:The -caprolactam derivative of formulaI(R is H, lower alkyl or phenyl; is phenyl).

EXAMPLE: α-Phenylmethyleneamino--caprolactam.

USE: Pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, their intermediates, and intermediate of a dissolving agent (optically active α-mono-alkylamino--caprolactam).

PROCESS: The compound of formulaIcan be prepared by reacting α-amino-- caprolactam with the aromatic compound of formula II in the presence of a solvent such as benzene, toluene, etc. at 30W150°C, preferably 50W110°C. The compound of formulaI can be converted to a dissolving agent (α-monoalkylamino--caprolactam) by alkylation followed by hydrolysis in the presence of an acid.