Catalytic processes for preparing caprolactam, pipecolinic acid, and their derivatives, from lysine or alpha-amino-epsilon-caprolactam starting materials, and products produced thereby. A process for preparing caprolactam or a derivative thereof, the process comprising contacting a reactant comprising lysine or alpha aminocaprolactam with a catalyst and a gas comprising hydrogen gas, in the presence of a solvent. The catalyst may be provided on a support material, such as a transition metal.