A process is described for preparing .alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactam, an intermediate for the synthesis of L-lysine, comprising reacting an N-substituted -.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactam, wherein the N-substituent is an organic radical selected from the group consisting of arylsulfonyl, aroyl and alkanoyl radicals, with .epsilon.-caprolactam at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. to about 250.degree. C to form .alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactam and an N-substituted-.epsilon.-caprolactam. A continuous process is also described for the production of .alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactam further comprising the chlorination of N-substituted-.epsilon.-caprolactam to produce N-substituted-.alpha.-chloro-.epsilon.-caprolactam.