A lot of times what happens in this process is that the oximation fails, but when it fails a VERY similar compound forms so you think you did it right. Then you do the beckman and the same thing happens. So you end up with an "amide" that is actually something totally different. test your oxime by putting a matchhead sized chunk on foil and heating it with a lighter, it should snap crackle and pop instead of melting and will leave a very acrid smell in the air. WTF? I think you would know if you accidentally ordered phenobarbital with the generic name of helional... "Are you using a liquid or 10,000$ worth of crushed up prescription only pills you accidentally ordered?"