Abstract: The invention relates to a process for distilling alkaline caprolactam product at reduced pressure, said alkaline caprolactam product comprising (i) caprolactam, (ii) organic impurities, and (iii) one or more bases selected from the group consisting of alkali hydroxide and alkali amino caproate, characterized in that the alkalinity of the alkaline caprolactam product is less than 5 meq. per kg of caprolactam.

Abstract: Process for purifying an aqueous caprolactam mixture by extracting the caprolactam with the aid of an organic caprolactam solvent that is not miscible with water in a benzene extraction, and releasing the caprolactam from the organic solvent by means of extraction with water, with the formation of an aqueous caprolactam solution, in a back extraction, with at least a separate pre-extraction taking place before the benzene extraction and/or the back extraction, in which, in a pre-extraction before the benzene extraction, an organic solvent that is not miscible with water is used for the extraction and, in a pre-extraction before back extraction, water is used for the extraction.