Abstract: Amino acid derivatives are synthesized by reacting paraformaldehyde, cyclic amides and synthesis gas with a bimetallic catalyst comprising a rhodium-containing compound and a cobalt-containing compound, optionally in the presence of a solvent at a pressure of at least 500 psi and a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. The novel amino acid products may be hydrolyzed to amino dicarboxylic acids or used as monomers to polyamides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing an N-substituted carbamoyl-lactam compound having the formula: ##STR1## by admixing a polyhydroxy compound having the formula R(OH).sub.n with a polyisocyanate having the formula OCH--R'--NCO, wherein saidn has a value of at least 3,R' is a di-valent hydrocarbon group having 6-25 carbon atoms, andY is a C.sub.3 -C.sub.14 alkylene group,and reacting the product thereof with a lactam. The n value may advantageously range from 3 to 10. The invention also relates to certain novel n-substituted carbamoyl-lactam compounds which can advantageously be used in the preparation of nylon 6 block copolymers, and are particularly useful in reaction injection molding nylon 6.